Crown Central chooses $430,000 palm trees over affordable parking

Palm tree on crown street with no one paying attention to the display
Source: Jasmin Murray

In 2017 Crown Street Mall made the decision to put in $430 000 worth of palm trees and now locals are questioning why this money was not put elsewhere.

At the time the art instillation formed an attraction to the area and stores were seeing a slight increase in customers however these trees now remain in the same position and bring little to no visitors to the area.

Staff and regular visitors to the centre have begun asking why this money was not put into something that would benefit the centre for an extended period of time and encourage visitors on a more regular basis.

“By taking away the parking meters and paid parking the mall will see more traffic flow and everyone will be making more money”
Amy Gibson – Wollongong local

Entire level of shopping centre almost empty of a Thursday evening
Source: Jasmin Murray

Currently in all car parks ran by the centre visitors are required to pay $3.50 if they are staying for 0 to 3 hours, with the amount increasing if you remain in the centre for longer.

Street parking is often not an option as there is limited free parking located around the city centre or is only offered during certain times of the week.

Locals believe that by eliminating these fees, or by implementing a new parking system the shopping centre will see an increase on visitors, especially during this time where many people are suffering financially.

Palm trees blocking the possibility for Crown Street to be opened up

Prior to the development of the mall Crown Street was open to vehicles to pass through the mall to stop where they liked allowing for easier access to stores located along this strip.

The issue of the road being closed has recently been acknowledged by stores located on the strip with the palm trees interfering with this movement progressing.