Economic data released by City Of Newcastle shows that Darby Street business saw a 17% increase in sales revenue between October to December 2022.
The trial to extend outdoor dining options and improve pedestrian and cyclist safety along the popular shopping and dining street has been
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the increase in sales during the trial period, compared to the previous three months was 5.2 per cent higher than the average sales revenue growth experienced anywhere else in Newcastle during the same period.
“Even accounting for the normal December trading spike, Darby Street has fared well during this period, with sales levels also up 9.2 per cent compared to the same period last year,” Cr Nelmes said.
“What was really pleasing to see was 47% of the total sales over the Christmas period were attributed to customers who don’t live in Newcastle.”
The installation of a temporary raised outdoor dining area and relocatable “mini deck” for outdoor dining along with traffic calming measures to reduce motorist speed and improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, was designed to encourage increased visitation and trade along Darby Street.
Anthony Strachan, Co-Owner of Three Monkeys café on Darby Street, said the trial has been a positive step towards bringing people back into the precinct.
“For us, the dining deck has been a fantastic success, it’s one of the first places people want to sit when they come in,” Mr Strachan said.
“I think the trial has been great to bring in more tourists and create a more pedestrian-friendly space. I would however like to see some of this work continued along the rest of the street, to create a longer-term beautification of the precinct.”
The outcomes of the Darby Street trial, including the results of community consultation and data analysis, will be presented to Councillors, for the potential retention of the infrastructure installed for the trial.
You can submit your feedback on the trial until 28 February at newcastle.nsw.gov.au.
