Darwin retailers launch staunch defence of struggling CBD after NT News investigation

DARWIN retailers have launched a staunch defence of the central business district where almost 100 shopfronts remain vacant

The Mitchell Centre on the corner of Mitchell and Knuckey streets has several vacant shopfronts. Picture: Justin Kennedy

DARWIN retailers have launched a staunch defence of the central business district after an NT News investigation revealed almost 100 shopfronts remain vacant.

Darwin City & Waterfront Retailers Association chair Elena Gomatos said the group was “disappointed” in the “bleak picture of the city” presented in Tuesday’s NT News.

“You have effectively told your readers not to come in to the city because there’s nothing here, and we are offended,” she said in a joint statement with vice-chair Darlene Chin.

Darwin City & Waterfront Retailers Association chair Elena Gomatos has launched a staunch defence of the CBD.

“Our members and neighbouring businesses are very much open and the products and services many offer are unique to the city.”

Ms Gomatos said city traders were “putting their heart and soul into keeping their doors open” and pointed out there were also vacancies at Casuarina, Palmerston and Coolalinga.

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“Darwin city has been host to a series of successful events recently, including last Friday’s Christmas Boutique Markets, which were well attended and hospitality venues were buzzing,” she said.

“We invite everyone to come in and enjoy their capital city. We believe you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see the many and varied business which are open.”

CBD Shock. Nearly 100 shop fronts in Darwin's central business district are empty as Top End economy reels - https://t.co/L9GosXMTzm #frontpagestoday #Australia #NTNews pic.twitter.com/4Yq666295C

— Front Pages Today (@ukpapers) December 4, 2018

Meanwhile, acting Lord Mayor Andrew Arthur defended the council’s efforts to ­attract businesses and shoppers back to the CBD, saying it had a “keen focus on beautifying our city”.

“We work closely with CBD promotions associations, like Darwin Waterfront and City Retailers Association, to ­deliver boutique markets and campaigns that attract people into our CBD,” he said.

Tourism images in the window of a vacant Smith St Mall shop. Picture: Justin Kennedy

“As a partner to the Darwin City Deal, City of Darwin is working with the Australian and Territory governments to deliver greening, cooling and shading projects to our CBD streets, and revitalise our laneways for better connectivity and alfresco dining opportunities to make our city a more attractive place to visit, and a more attractive place for business to operate.”

The proposed education and civic centre in Cavenagh St is part of the $500 million Darwin Cities Deal

Mr Arthur said free parking between Christmas and New Year’s Eve would also bring more trade to the CBD.

“We undertake these activities to support local business and its prosperity in the ­Darwin CBD, and to provide a great experience for visitors to the city,” he said.