Local retailing leads the city

Retail and entertainment industry establishments in Docklands have doubled since 2006.

According to the Melbourne Retail Strategy 2006-2012 Year Six Report Card, released last month, retail and entertainment establishments in Docklands have grown from 211 in 2006 to 471 in 2012.

The report is the sixth and final in the series of report cards, which have been released yearly since 2006.

The strategy was an initiative of the City of Melbourne, the State Government and the Melbourne Retail Advisory Board.

The most recent report also showed that since 2006 the greatest retail growth in Melbourne has been outside the city centre, in Kensington, Southbank and Docklands.

The Year Six Report Card pointed to the Docklands’ July Friday Fireworks as one of the ways City of Melbourne supported retail in Docklands.

According to the report, the fireworks drove an estimated 3000 people per show to Waterfront City.

A further four-year retail strategy was also announced at the launch of the report card.

The Lord Mayor and the Minister for Innovation, Services and Small Businesses and Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher, announced the City of Melbourne and the State Government would fund a further four-year retail strategy for 2013 -2016.

A City of Melbourne spokesperson said the new strategy would continue much of the work that has been conducted over the past six years to ensure Melbourne retained, and built upon, its position as Australia’s premier retail destination.