Braddon is "on the verge of crisis" with more than half of its businesses facing the prospect of closing down should another COVID-19 lockdown occur, a new survey reveals.
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Braddon's United Retailers and Traders (BURT) released a report on Monday in response to upgrades proposed by the ACT government, calling for more targeted support for Braddon businesses.
The survey, completed in June and July by 147 Braddon businesses, detailed the effects of coronavirus restrictions on the central suburb, concluding that businesses were "on the verge of a crisis".
More than 60 per cent of businesses reported they shut partially or completely during the lockdown period.
Almost 85 per cent of businesses reported a revenue loss and 68 per cent of those lost between 50 per cent and 100 per cent of their revenue.
Almost 45 per cent of businesses reduced staff during lockdown and 37 per cent continued to operate with reduced staff.
In June, the ACT government announced $13 million worth of projects to upgrade areas of Dickson and Braddon to provide a boost to business and assist in the post-coronavirus recovery.
While BURT supports the upgrades in principle, it said the survey pointed to areas in greater need of attention, specifically parking and traffic flow management, and it wants priority given to projects identified by local businesses.
Saloon beauty salon owner Sarah Wright closed her Lonsdale Street business for two months during the shutdown but said she had a nervous wait for summer when she expected the biggest hit to her business.
Summer is traditionally the salon's busiest period with people getting hair and make-up done ahead of weddings and other large functions. Ms Wright said she was concerned about how many bookings she would lose and unsure whether she would be able to recruit and pay more staff if needed.
She said Braddon was still feeling the effects of COVID-19 restrictions as the initial excitement of people being able to go out again had worn off but customer traffic in the area was improving.
Ms Wright agreed parking was a constant issue for all businesses in Braddon and if improved believed it would lead to greater foot traffic for the area.
The survey found that 93 per cent of businesses nominated parking as a priority and 71 per cent said it was their number one priority. Businesses also held concerns that upgrades could be disruptive, causing customers to avoid the area.
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BURT spokesman Kel Watt said it was crucial that the activities of business and government were aligned otherwise businesses would not be able to survive.
"The government's investment in beautification is welcome in principle, but all the footpath flowerpots in the world won't do a thing to grow revenue and staff levels back to normal if the failures of current infrastructure are not addressed," Mr Watt said.
"For the same investment of time and money, the government can deliver upgrades that will actually work and attract customers and clients back to the Braddon precinct."
An ACT government spokesperson said upgrades to the Braddon retail precinct were being designed in line with the Braddon Place Plan which was developed in 2018 with significant consultation with the community, including business owners.
The spokesperson confirmed further consultation with business would occur and plans could be altered to incorporate suggestions by businesses.
The planned upgrades include improved traffic flow and parking arrangements, wider more usable footpaths and better active travel connections.
The spokesperson said the government was committed to continuing support measures for small and medium businesses in Canberra during the pandemic including through tax relief and rebates on electricity and permit costs.