New Business Precinct Model to Support Local Businesses

Published on 01 July 2026

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The City of Unley has updated it's approach to managing and investing in four business precincts: King William Road, Unley Road, Goodwood Road and Fullarton Road South.

Council has endorsed a new Business Precinct Management Plan. The new model will operate as a three-year trial from Wednesday 1 July 2026 to Saturday 30 June 2029.

What to expect: 

  • More investment directed into local precinct initiatives, events, activations and improvements
  • Increased marketing and promotion to attract customers and visitors
  • Enhanced streetscapes, beautification projects that strengthen precinct identity
  • Streamlined administration and governance, reducing the reliance on volunteers
  • Greater collaboration between businesses and Council through regular engagement

A review will be undertaken before the trial concludes to determine future arrangements.

Why is the change being made?

For many years, local trader associations have managed business precinct activities using funding collected through the Separate Rate.

While this model has delivered valuable outcomes, many associations have experienced challenges like difficulty recruiting volunteers, administrative costs, inconsistent partnerships across precincts. Trader Associations have formally requested Council assistance due to these challenges.

What is changing?

  • Council will take direct responsibility for administering the Separate Rate and coordinating precinct initiatives through a new Business Precinct Coordinator due to start on 3 August 2026.
  • Council has endorsed a proposed increase to the Separate Rate equivalent to the December 2025 CPI of 3.3%, subject to consultation through the 2026/27 Annual Business Plan and Budget process. The Separate Rate will continue to fund activities that benefit businesses, property owners and visitors.
  • A new Business Precinct Leadership Group will be established, providing businesses with an ongoing voice in precinct planning and priorities.
  • A dedicated Business Precinct Coordinator will work across all four precincts, helping to deliver projects, marketing, events and business engagement activities.

Importantly, local businesses will continue to have opportunities to influence decisions and contribute ideas through precinct reference groups.

What stays the same?

  • The Separate Rate will continue to apply to the existing four business precincts.
  • No expansion of precinct boundaries is proposed.
  • Funds collected from each precinct will continue to be used for the benefit of that precinct.
  • Businesses and property owners will continue to play a role in shaping local priorities.

Key Benefits for Businesses

More funding available for precinct activation

Under the new model, Council aims to reduce duplication and administration costs so that more funding can be invested directly into improvement initiatives.

Stronger marketing and promotion

The new model will support coordinated marketing campaigns that reach larger audiences.

More events and activation

A greater proportion of funding can be directed towards events, activations, community experience and visitor attraction initiatives to help increase visitation, support local trade and create vibrant places.

Improved beautification and streetscape projects

Funding may be used for streetscape upgrades, beautification projects, decorative lighting, public realm improvements and minor infrastructure projects to enhance the customer experience and strengthen precinct identity.

Less reliance on volunteers

The new model reduces the need for volunteers to undertake governance responsibilities, administration, financial reporting, and compliance requirements, so that volunteers can focus on providing local insights, supporting activations, and helping shape precinct projects.

Business Precinct Revitalisation

The Business Precinct Action Plan advises when cyclical investments will be made in revitalisation improvements (aligning with the tourism industry every seven years) and what enhanced maintenance (over the base level) you will see within the business precincts year round. 

 

Benefits for the Wider Community

The new approach aims to create:

  • More vibrant shopping and dining destinations
  • Increased visitation to local precincts
  • Stronger local economies
  • Better coordinated events and activities
  • Attractive streets and public spaces
  • Greater collaboration between businesses and Council

Ultimately, the goal is to make Unley's business precincts more active, resilient and enjoyable places for businesses, residents and visitors.

A clear plan for future investment

The new Business Precinct Action Plan provides a structured program of investment across the four precincts. It outlines planned revitalisation projects, enhanced maintenance activities, beautification initiatives and activation opportunities, helping businesses understand how funding will be invested to support precinct growth and attractiveness over time. 

Read the full Business Precinct Action Plan here: Business Precinct Action Plan(DOCX, 601KB)

Read the full Business Precinct Management Plan here: Business Precinct Management Plan(DOCX, 164KB)

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