Croydon Main Street is changing, in large part thanks to the Croydon Main Street Traders Association (CMSTA). We spoke with Samantha Bartlett, the Main Street Manager for the CMSTA, and found out a little more about the exciting things Sam and the team have been working on to reinvigorate the centre of Croydon. The CMSTA represents the retail and business operators within the Croydon Main Street precinct and is made up of around 180 businesses. In her role, Sam is focused on developing strong and valuable relationships with businesses and community groups. ‘I love seeing the traders grow, I like seeing small businesses become successful and, in return, I like seeing the community enjoy what the traders have created. We have a strong and dedicated team that is creating ideas and giving back to the community with the sole goal of encouraging residents and visitors to come and support small businesses along Croydon Main Street.’
A number of recent successful events have helped foster a sense of community and attract people to our area, like the Fringe Festival, an off-shoot of Adelaide’s famous event, that brought people from all over Melbourne to Croydon. Other events include the Baby Animal Farm Day, A Treasure Hunt and the Easter Egg Hunt amongst others. Even more exciting events are on the calendar in the coming months, Sam reports. ‘We have Father’s Day coming up on September 3rd. Celebrations will include mini golf, superheroes and activities for children to enjoy with their dads. We also have Christmas not too far away and Santa will be on the street, along with a Christmas decoration competition for all traders, encouraging everyone to get into the festive spirit. In the New Year we will block off the street for a Chinese Multicultural Festival, which promises to be one of our most popular events yet.’ As Tamara Lloyd, Managing Director of Ray White Croydon, puts it, ‘These events really bring people together and encourage everyone to support each other. Most traders live locally and are really invested in the success of the community, and we’re excited to see it thrive.
Outside of these events, major changes to roads and infrastructure in the area promise to have long-lasting benefits for locals. These changes include new car parks and the redevelopment of Croydon Station, among others. ‘The last two years we’ve focused on cleaning up the area and making some modifications
to ensure we’re providing a safe, clean and happy environment for the community,’ Sam told us. ‘The newly built Devon Street car park, which offers the community 400 free carparking spaces, in addition to the hundreds of existing spaces, makes it even easier to shop and spend time on Main Street. The upcoming railway removal and new station will provide a change of infrastructure that we hope will make customers feel safe and happy in a fresh new environment.’
The changes in Croydon are having positive effects on the local real estate market, not just in Croydon but in the surrounding suburbs too. Tamara says, ‘Having a vibrant main street that attracts both businesses and events to the area is so important for our region. It adds a positive vibe to our suburb and to neighbouring suburbs, making them desirable places to live. Sam is doing a fantastic job, bringing the traders together and being proactive in creating a reinvigorated business district and an inviting place for locals new and old alike.’ Sam is passionate and excited about what the future holds for the area. ‘We will continue with community events, to ensure that Croydon Main Street is a family-friendly community. We are excited to see our traders continue to get involved and we encourage all families and community members to come out and participate.’ The more the merrier, we think!
Stay up to date on what’s happening by subscribing to the Main Street Facebook page. This is a great way to learn about upcoming events and changes. You can also see the plans for the new Croydon Station upgrades here.
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