Melbourne’s CBD is now busier on weekends than weekdays

Prior to the pandemic, weekdays were the busier period in Melbourne CBD but a major change has emerged.

Melbourne’s CBD is now busier on weekends than weekdays. Picture: David Geraghty

Melbourne’s CBD is now busier on weekends than weekdays, with new figures showing a whopping increase in spending during this time.

Economic analysis compiled by the City of Melbourne reveals that Friday and Saturday have led the CBD’s recovery with stronger pedestrian figures and more money spent on retail and dining.

Between October and December, the adjusted spend on Saturdays was 120 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

Prior to the pandemic, weekdays were the busier period but this has reversed as the state has emerged from repeated lockdowns.

The council’s data shows weekdays are still taking longer to recover, with just three quarters of the pedestrian movements recorded in 2019.

Economic activity has recovered more strongly, just below-pandemic levels, because its believed visitors are spending more per person.

Friday and Saturday have led the CBD’s recovery. Picture: Luis Ascui

In December, the CBD reported a record of $1.1bn in economic activity.

The data, which also shows a massive increase in night-time visits, will be provided to businesses from Wednesday to help them work around these changes, with some traders already altering their schedules to suit these trends.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the data would arm business owners with new information as it emerged.

“We know our traders are eager to capitalise on the city’s new rhythm – so we’re helping them work smarter and boost their offerings to make the most of our new peak times,” she said.

“Business owners can use the snapshot to better understand when their target customers are frequenting the city and tweak their staff rosters, opening hours or specials in response.”

“As more workers make their way back to city offices after a well-deserved break, this tool will give businesses the power to make sure they’re adjusting effectively to the new pace of our city.”

In December, the CBD reported a record of $1.1bn in economic activity. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Across the week, night-time activity has also recovered stronger than daytime visits.

Pedestrian movements at this time are almost back to normal and during December adjusted spending was at 120 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

Councillor Roshena Campbell, who heads the city activation portfolio said the council wanted to make sure every business could thrive in this new environment.

“City traders have told us these snapshots will help them do just that by allowing them to plan and invest with confidence,” she said.

Jackie Middleton, co-founder and director of Dame Melbourne, said her business had already adjusted to the way Melburnians had changed their habits.

She said there was evidence from last year that people were coming into the city later and staying longer into the afternoon.

“Dame opens for coffee until 5pm, which is unusual because most finish at 3pm, and we provide for knock-off drinks,” Ms Middleton said.

“We’ve definitely noticed the city is booming in the after-hours experience zone rather than the corporate zone we have usually catered to.

“Hospitality people love to crystal-ball what their future week or month will hold for them. “This snapshot helps forecasting in a way we have never had access to before.”