MEDIA RELEASE Friday 6 February 2009
www.cairnsmarketsquare.com.au
MARKET SQUARE TO DELIVER TRUE TASTE OF TROPICAL NORTH
Official Media Launch: Friday, 6 February 09 12.30pm at Ochre Restaurant
Key stakeholders, representing the four corners of the city’s new Marketsquare precinct will meet and speak with media at Ochre Restaurant, cnr Sheridan and Shields Street, today to officially launch their concept destined to lift the profile and increase pedestrian traffic/trade for inner-city Cairns. Spanning, markets, tourism, restaurants/eateries and retail, representatives from Rusty’s Markets, The Art Café, Lime Homewares, Pro Dive Cairns will be in attendance on Friday.
Details: Publicist, Pip Miller on 0419 681543
Spearheaded by Craig Squire of Ochre Restaurant and Catering, a group of 30 inner-city traders spanning shop keepers, retailers and restaurateurs have created a precinct marketing campaign to raise the profile of Grafton and Shields Street.
With the evocative name of Market Square, Mr Squire said a comprehensive marketing strategy incorporating signage, web design, public relations and advertising has been embraced by all stakeholders to lift the profile of Grafton and Shields Street while communicating its integrity as a place to shop and dine.
The campaign, which is being launched today, will roll out in the first half of the year while securing the support of Cairns Regional Council, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Member of Cairns and Cairns Chamber of Commerce.
“The success of this campaign will rely very much on the support of council and the city’s other business related associations to ensure such details as lighting, street banners and signage progress as planned. We also we be encouraging retailers to open into the evenings, so people can shop and dine in the cooler part of the day.
“For too long our precinct’s sightline has been severely impeded by City Place and there is an underlying objective for us to have this improved over time to provide a more seamless pedestrian flow from the Esplanade through to Market Square via Shields Street,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of fellow traders, Mr Squire said he believes there is real integrity in this campaign and says Market Square is exactly what locals and visitors want. “Tourist exit surveys have indicated disappointment with regards to the city’s cbd and experience offered and we believe Market Square has all the ingredients to influence a positive change.
“Market Square is an invitation to get off the tourist strip and discover the soul of the far north. This area offers locals a direct way of interacting with residents and shop keepers who have been right here for many years. In fact, many have been trading successfully for 20 years, and in the majority of cases, it is the owners who ‘man’ the stores,” he said.
Incorporating Shields and Grafton Streets as its main avenues, Market Square incorporates over 20 restaurants and cafes, sophisticated and alternative shopping boutiques, music, jewellery, books, homewares, gifts, hairdressing and beauty as well as Asian groceries. All these and more surround the heart which lies in Rusty’s Markets – a Cairns institution showcasing the best and freshest tropical produce on offer.
For further information, click on www.cairnsmarketsquare.com.au
ends
For further information, contact:
Craig Squire, Ochre Restaurant and Catering
Phone: 07 4051 0100 Mob:040755 9087
Email: craig@ochrerestaurant.com.au
Issued by:
Pip Miller PR
Phone: 07 4032 4400 Mob: 0419 681543
Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au