The City of Launceston has just today voted to accept changes to the Cityprom operating model, the result of an extended consultation and determination period.
The Launceston Chamber of Commerce has long held the view that Launceston should take its place as one of the great regional cities of the world, a preferred destination to live, work, play and invest. It’s self-evident that a thriving, activated CBD forms an integral part of that vision and the role of a dedicated CBD marketing and activation organisation in that function cannot be underestimated.
Cityprom has been in existence since 1988, however, the environment in which it operates has inevitably changed over time; so its operating model needed to be updated to remain fit-for-purpose in a modern context. Its role in marketing and promotion of the CBD through activations, events and promotions must remain front and centre in its endeavours; and a wider geographic boundary reflects the changing nature of the Launceston CBD.
The Chamber welcomes the results of the Cityprom decision with its recommendations, and we fully support the City of Launceston’s decision to apply changes to the Cityprom operating model. The changes under that new arrangement to be phased in over four years, and is in our opinion, a more equitable model. When we have a thriving, activated CBD, the whole city benefits.
Though the Chamber receives no direct benefit from the changes, we are adamant that it’s for the betterment of the CBD, so the Chamber has been offered, and has accepted a role within the Cityprom transition working group. We’re looking forward to working with the Cityprom Board and the City of Launceston over the next year or so to implement the agreed changes. It’ll take a bit of work, but we enjoy a close working relationship with Cityprom and appreciate the excellent work that Amanda McEvoy and her team do to support city-centre businesses. Amanda and I meet regularly to remain abreast of each other’s activities and provide assistance and support to each organisation where needed. It’s a great example of collaboration in the region for the betterment of Launceston as a whole.