Traders
making way for beautification works in Queen St. and containers in SBA are
currently going through moving pains and some are going to need help.
There are
very good reasons for asking traders to move as we adopt a key recommendation
of the People’s Panel for more rest areas for customers and we create a
cohesive container offer in String Bean Alley, part of the “Market of Markets”
vision for QVM.
The
logistics may seem quite simple on paper, particularly given all the stall
vacancies in the Upper Market, but in fact moves like this are difficult to
co-ordinate. Not only are there endless variations on stall placement that need
to be worked through, but for many traders this is not just a matter of moving
locations.
Some traders
may consider their current spot has significant advantages. They may have formed strong
associations with their neighbours. They may have finely tuned their stall
set-up and these setups are not always easily duplicated in other spots. They
may have entry and exit facilities that suit their business operation and that
may include vehicle placement. There can be many reasons why a trader values
his/her spot and they are all valid.
Yes, there
is a bigger picture here of what is better for the market, and most traders get
that. But there is a lot to weigh up. Is the stall area the same? Will
adjustments be needed for stall equipment? Will business be as good and are
they changing the dynamics with their competitors? Some traders need to place storage boxes with a neighbour
and some are being asked to move from the comparatively weather protected J-L
sheds to open aisle sheds like C,D, or E.
Some traders
have comparatively easy moves, including moving to the stall next door. Others may have options in quite different locations. Ideally
every trader will have a like for like option or something close to that. Not
every outcome can be guaranteed, this is change after all. But traders need to
speak with their Precinct Manager if they are genuinely concerned about their
options. This is a difficult logistics exercise, and with open discussion and a
little patience, it can be made to work for all participants.