SA Property Council pitches ‘FOMO Fridays’ plan to lure people back to the Adelaide CBD

What would bring you back to work full-time in the CBD? Early knock-off drinks? Concerts? Or just cheap parking?

Free coffees, cheap carparking, concerts in Rundle Mall and early knock-off drinks would be on offer every Friday under a bold plan to revive Adelaide’s CBD.

In a major proposal dubbed “FOMO Fridays”, SA Property Council boss Daniel Gannon is urging the government, Adelaide City Council, landlords and businesses to offer a raft of incentives to get office workers back into the city every Friday.

It is understood the state government is ready to get behind the project, or a version of it, with the Adelaide Economic Development Agency and Retailers Association also supportive.

Since November’s crippling three-day lockdown, the occupancy level of CBD office buildings has stalled at just 70 per cent, as white-collar workers choose to work from home.

Rundle Mall foot traffic is down almost 40 per cent compared with pre-pandemic levels.

“Many CBD workers are coming into the city on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with a trend towards working from home on Mondays and Fridays,” Mr Gannon said.

“We’re asking for the state government to help the business community address the work-from-home trend and better understand the associated economic impact.”

Some special events pitched by the Property Council include morning yoga sessions in Victoria Square and afternoon concerts in Rundle Mall.

It also suggested employers could allow early knock-off drinks at 4pm.

The FOMO Fridays program would run every week for three months, possibly beginning in time for spring.

Mr Gannon urged office landlords to consider subsidising coffees and breakfast for tenants at ground-floor cafes and providing cheap parking.

Fire performer Rota Rakula, East End Cellar’s Angas Borchardt, Belgian Beer Cafe Venue Manager Annie Medlen and fire performer Edwina Barns-Tripp in the East End for the SA Tourism Commission’s Winterpalooza street party. Picture: Emma Brasier

Premier Steven Marshall said: “The SA government believes it’s time for people to return to the office, and are looking at ways to support the reactivation of our CBD”.

The SA Tourism Commission is holding a “Winterpalooza East End Street Party” this Friday to celebrate Adelaide being ranked Australia’s most liveable city.

Mr Marshall urged everyone to “raise a glass of SA wine to our sensational city and celebrate our collective achievements over the past 12 months”.

“We have a few things to celebrate – end of financial year, winter solstice, school holidays around the corner … so why not grab a jacket and come into the city and immerse yourself in our great laneway bars, pubs and restaurants,” he said.

One of the East End’s most popular venues, the Belgian Beer Cafe, will be offering paella and mulled wine on the night.

“To continue the buzz on the East End through the colder nights is a fantastic initiative,” said manager Annie Medlen.

Originally published as SA Property Council pitches ‘FOMO Fridays’ plan to lure people back to the Adelaide CBD