According to Property Council of Australia, Victoria could lose out on more than $2.5 billion of economic activity for hospitality and retail businesses unless more support is found. It is believed Melbourne’s CBD supports tens of thousands of jobs in the industry.
To counter the potential hit to the hospitality industry, Property Council is asking businesses and the Victorian government to rally behind its Fab Fridays initiative; a campaign to encourage people back to Melbourne’s CBD after months of COVID restrictions.
If successful, the initiative will see a 4pm knockoff for those working in the CBD, leading them to spending more time and money in bars and hospitality businesses on a Friday night. Property Council Victorian executive director, Danni Hunter said Fab Fridays is about reigniting the excitement of being in the CBD on a Friday, spending the day at work with colleagues and continuing to enjoy all that Melbourne has to offer.
Hunter added: “Fridays are about celebrating the week and anticipating the weekend. COVID has changed so many things about our life, but the joy of catching up in person with your colleagues and friends is irreplaceable.”
“With only 24 per cent of workers back in Melbourne’s CBD, and hospitality businesses and retailers missing much-needed foot traffic, the Property Council has come up with the idea to get people back to the office on Fab Fridays, to play, stay and spend in the city into the evening and weekend.
“Fab Fridays will bring together the business community and government. Together, we want to incentivise Melbourne’s workers back into the city on a Friday in a safe and structured way. Where possible, it would be great to see them enjoy a Friday night in the CBD.”
The initiative also calls on the government to offer free public transport on Friday evenings so people can enjoy a “cheeky” after work drink and enjoy a night out with peace of mind when returning home.
Hunter explained: “We are calling on CBD bosses to make the 4pm knockoff pledge, encouraging workers to leave the office together and either go for a walk through the city or enjoy a cheeky after work drink at a city pub. There is no better way to reward yourself after a walk than dinner at one of Melbourne’s world class restaurants or hospitality venues.”
“Melbourne’s CBD supports more than 48,000 public sector jobs and we’d love to see the Government make a concerted effort to encourage them to be in the office and active in our city on Fridays.”
If successful in Melbourne, Hunter is hoping the initiative can be picked up throughout the nation.
She told Weekend Sunrise: “Wouldn’t it be great if it took off? There are so many things in this for our CBDs. And our CBDs are such a big part of our broader economic recovery and an incredibly wonderful part of Australia’s culture and what we love about being in Australia.”
Fab Fridays are intended to launch officially on Friday, 23 April. Property Council is encouraging hospitality businesses and other CBD organisations to join the initiative at vic@propertycouncil.com.au.
