The Plaza at the top of town is changing, shops are closing as small local businesses come unstuck because of rising rents and overheads making way for larger mutlinational companies and government departments.  The center of town appears to be gearing itself towards specialty shops targeting locals and tourists alike, while the flat is having a complete face lift.

A new Shopping Centre is planned for the flat which will draw customers away from the traditional top of town shopping trip.  The Shopping Wheel, as I call it, is turning with the wheels hub in the middle of town and what was the top of town is now going to be the bottom of town.

I have had a look at the plans for the new centre and have spoken with the owners who suggest that they know what they're doing, and I'm convinced they do!  From the very outset Ken and Judy Bryant have tried to maintain the charm and uniqueness of the flat while modernising it by providing commercial space for smaller local businesses.  They can see that the future of this town, employement and economic growth lays at the feet of local businesses rather than big multinational conglomerants who provide nothing but a bit of part-time or casual employment.  If you can provide both employment and keep the money from such ventures local then something excellent has been achieived. 

Ken and Judy have put a lot of thought into the new centre and an awful lot of effort dealing with beurocrats and other statutory bodies trying to ensure that every 'i' is dotted and every 't' is crossed.  It has taken many years to get to the point where plans are actually displayed in the front window of IGA on the flat.

Who will be in the new plaza?  Who will use the new plaza?  These are questions that have mostly been answered through necessity, with the closing of smaller businesses at the "other" plaza I guess everyone is going to use the new one.  Tenancy isn't going to be an issue I don't think as smaller businesses will need to reevaluate there current location over the next 12 to 18 months and decide if they should make the move.  Many businesses have already committed themselves to relocating to the new centre.  Let's face it, to relocate a successful business is a bit risky but inlight of where they will be going it could be a golden opportunity to increase exposure, traffic, and takings.

It is happening and it's happening now.  Businesses whuch want to take advantage need to start planning now.  If you wait for the doors to open then you will have missed the boat.  You can't sit back with a wait and see mentality because once shops are occupied you may never get your chance again.  A one stop shopping choice is what the town needs and the flat is a great place to put it.  It is more central to Kianga and Dalmeny than the current choice at the top of town and as time goes by more and more people will be making the switch to the bottom of town shopping.

A recent meeting with officials and opposers (who didn't show up) has paved the way for more progress on the ground.  Things will start happening quickly now so get your thinking caps on.  If you don't want to fall off the merry-go-round during the towns reshuffle then you'd better get your planning in place now - then hold on tight as we spiral into a new shopping ere.