The Property Council of Australia are pushing for local and state governments to team up and create a “Fab Fridays” program to encourage working in the CBD.Every Friday, employers would pledge to let their staff finish at 4pm, public transport would be made free and events and festivals in the city would be ramped up to let people make the most of a Friday afternoon.Its understood the City of Melbourne is broadly supportive of the idea, with discussions now underway as to how the scheme could work.The start of Term 2 for school, in April, has been flagged as an ideal starting point.By luring workers back to the city on Fridays, the Property Council is hoping to alter behaviour locked in during the peak of the pandemic and Victoria’s shutdowns.Free events and programs would provide extra reason to come into work and supercharge spending on struggling traders.Cheap coffee or free breakfasts could also provide a boost to office attendance.Property Council Victorian executive director Danni Hunter said the CBD was desperate for increased foot traffic while only 24 per cent of workers had returned.“Fridays are about celebrating the week and anticipating the weekend,” she said.“COVID has changed so many things about our life, but the joy of catching up in person with your colleagues and friends is irreplaceable and there’s no better place than in Melbourne’s CBD.“It’s been so long since we’ve been able to get together properly be it in the office or at the pub, we know that people might need an incentive or two as extra motivation.”City of Melbourne figures show 29 per cent of shop fronts in the municipality are currently vacant.Ms Hunter governments at every level would need to work together with the private sector to reverse this trend.“Free public transport is just one way that will encourage Melburnians into the CBD on Fridays, with the extra incentive of knowing you’ll get home safely after a wonderful dinner and show,” she said.“We’re calling on CBD bosses to introduce a 4pm knock-off pledge, encouraging workers to leave the office together and either go for a walk through the city or enjoy a cheeky after work drink.”Australian Hotels Association Victoria chief executive Paddy O’Sullivan praised the concept.“The hotel industry will go out of our way to make people feel welcome,” he said.‘We will be looking at price specials and other initiatives such as the return of the meat tray raffle. Some pubs may also think about happy hours.“City pubs have done it hardest because of a lack of office workers as well as a lack of travellers from interstate and overseas.“Now is the time for an initiative to drive people back into pubs and make them welcome.”kieran.rooney@news.com.au
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