Hamilton’s CBD continues to trend in the right way with increased retail spend and foot traffic, and reduced building vacancies and safety concerns from members of the central business community.

That’s the word from Hamilton Central Business Association (HCBA) general manager Vanessa Williams who says data from recently-installed pedestrian counters and CBD tenant surveys paints a positive picture. 

“There is a buzz around town right now. You can see development and investment at every turn which we’re now seeing is validated by this new data,” Vanessa said.

HCBA worked alongside Hamilton City Council to install 21 new foot traffic sensors at key locations around the CBD. The sensors measure the number of people passing underneath the sensors in both directions. During the busiest week so far of 2018, between 19-25 February, counted around 220,000 people, with the slowest week between 1-7 January, counting around 143,000 people.

Vanessa said retail spend was also on the rise, with the first three quarters of 2018 showing a significant increase compared to 2017, with CBD electronic spending up $20 million during the same time last year. Food and liquor continues to account for over 40% of the spend followed by other retail and hospitality at 15% and 14% respectively.

“This is also helped by council’s two hours of free parking in the CBD initiative which is also showing a positive impact.”

Vanessa said this kind of statistical information provided valuable market insight to CBD businesses, particularly those considering a move to the central city.

“By marrying up the financial and pedestrian data we can now see positive trends emerging which gives us good market insights to work with.”

NAI Harcourts managing director Mike Neale said the consolidation of business space with new builds such as ASB, Genesis and the soon-to-be-completed DHB office are contributing to the spend increase and reducing empty spaces.

“We will see in the coming months the spend will continue to rise. As business units consolidate in the central city and residential and mixed use builds continue to rise, the impact on the CBD will be positive.

“Building vacancy rates are holding steady and we’re seeing new opportunities being presented to clients every day. The outlook continues to be bright for the CBD.”

CBD safety

Vanessa said HCBA’s annual central city safety survey also indicated positive findings. 

“The perception of safety during the day continues to get better, but are seeing the early morning hours still require attention. 

“In the coming months these issues will be addressed through a variety of measures, including council’s plan to include under-veranda lighting in the central city which will have a positive impact on making people feel safer.”

She said while homelessness and begging continue to be identified as issues by CBD businesses, significant work was being done in that area in partnership with council and The People’s Project.

“We’re working together to educate businesses and the public about how to address begging, including through the ‘Your Help May Harm’ initiative which encourages people not to give money to people who beg and to call City Safe, who will send a trained staff member to respond and connect them to services that provide long-term, sustainable support.”

The People’s Project service manager Kerry Hawkes said while the landscape had changed and less people were sleeping rough in the CBD, there was still work to be done to continue to support homeless people into sustainable housing solutions. 

“The business community is an important partner in helping our team at The People’s Project understand and respond to what is happening out in public,” she said.

“While we have made progress, it will take a community response to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring.”

Events and ambience on the up

Vanessa said alongside increased retail spend and foot traffic, the ambience and culture of the CBD is improving rapidly.

“A successful city centre relies on having a space that is fit for purpose and can accommodate what people want to use it for – whether that’s business, shopping or events.

“We’re working to continue the momentum of a revitalised CBD with more events and activities in central public spaces, which we’ve seen great success from already with markets, kids’ activities, musicians and large events such as the Sevens party in Garden Place.”

Vanessa said Hamilton could also look forward to a packed summer in the CBD with a series of planned events which will include outdoor movie nights.

“Overall, our CBD continues to grow and evolve alongside the changing needs of its community and we’re well supported by a growing business district and commercial development, city investment, and community events.

“In two-to-three years’ time, we’ll be able to look back and appreciate the journey we’re on now.”