Will lower rents rejuvenate CBD?
BUNBURY'S central business district could be revitalised by recent increases in available office space, giving small businesses an opportunity to grow.
Commercial Realty has listed a number of properties for lease in the city centre from $10,000 to $27,500 annually and director Mike Jenkins said it was a great opportunity for sole traders to take the next step.
"At just $200 per week, business owners can now branch into professional premises and continue to build their profile and clientele in a positive manner," Mr Jenkins said.
Bunbury-Wellington Small Business Centre chief executive officer Fiona Fitzgerald said low rents would work wonders for both small business owners and the CBD.
"It's fantastic - the reduced rent will certainly stimulate more business and bring more people in to the CBD area," she said.
"The shift recently has been toward more service-based businesses like banks and accounting firms coming into the CBD.
"When a shift like that occurs, retail comes down and there are more people walking around the city centre buying lunches, coffees and shopping."
Bunbury beautician Jade West opened her beauty business Salon Sugar on Forrest Avenue in 2008 but relocated to Wittenoom Street in the CBD after the business grew and needed more space and staff to meet demand. "The best thing about being in the CBD is obviously the location," she said.
"It's so much easier for people to find us."
Ms West was able to double her staff and the foot traffic increased the business's clientele and turnover significantly. "We've had a lot of interest from people walking past on their way to neighbouring businesses, seeing us and thinking, 'Ooh, what's that?'," she said.
Ms West said the move and financial commitment was daunting but worth it.
She was confident Salon Sugar would continue to operate in the CBD for years to come.
"You have to take the risk, purely and simply," she said.
"It's been great for business.
"I have no regrets about moving in to the CBD."
