One year after the completion of the Maude St Mall revitalisation, what has been the measurable impact of the refurbishments? News reporter Khadija Hadjab investigated.
The redevelopment, supported by the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund and the Victorian Government’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, has reportedly had a positive impact on the local economy.
Figures suggest the project has diversified shopping experiences and offerings, attracting both the local community and visitors.
Spendmapp data from the Council indicates that spending by locals and visitors has increased since the mall’s redevelopment.
There’s also been an increase in day trips to Shepparton for shopping and entertainment, suggesting that the mall, right in the heart of Shepparton’s CBD, plays a significant role in this increased activity.
“I think it’s been great. The redevelopment has brought more life into the mall. People can drive, park, and shop,” Perfect Pieces owner Fran Hawks said.
“We see more customers coming through the door.”
“It’s been really good. Our customers can now park at the front instead of having to park miles away,” Evans Shoes manager Tan Brewer said.
“Even when it’s quiet, it looks a lot busier than what it used to.”
The precinct has seen new investments over the past year, including new businesses, expansions, and relocations.
As a result, retail vacancy rates in the Maude St Mall have improved, dropping from around 14 per cent at the start of the revitalisation project to 9 per cent.
“The results over the past year speak for themselves, and it is fantastic to see such a positive outcome from the developed Maude St precinct,” City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said.
“The revitalisation has resulted in a significant economic boost to traders, neighbouring businesses, services and tradespeople from the wider community.”
Completed in June 2023, the revitalised space now accommodates slow-moving one-way traffic and offers a functional, safe, and welcoming environment for community activities and events.
Since completion, the mall has hosted several successful events, such as the Fryers Street Food Festival in November 2023 which attracted over 12,000 attendees and generated an estimated $714,350 in economic benefits to traders, local businesses, food vendors, service groups, and musicians.
“The revitalised strip offers a public open space with new and modern infrastructure where people can come together, gather, shop, eat and enjoy a day out with family and friends,” Cr Sali said.
The mall has also hosted popular events such as the Summer and Winter City Markets while catering to many school holiday programs, further establishing it as a vibrant community hub.
“The Winter City Market held at the end of August emphasised the multi-use capabilities of the redevelopment with the precinct a buzz with thousands of visitors over the two days, with traders providing extremely positive feedback about the events' success,” Cr Sali said.
The revitalisation coincided with Council’s Shopfront Improvement Grants Program in 2021/2022, which saw participation from various retailers within the precinct and surrounding areas to revamp their shopfront, contributing to an improved appearance of the area.
The revamped Maude St Mall has become a lively spot for the Shepparton community to shop, dine, and attend community events.