Background
St Marys was once regarded as one of the strongest strip-shopping centres in Western Sydney, but trends changed over time and large shopping complexes become popular. However, the emphasis on large shopping complexes is again changing and the once successful strip-shopping centre is re-emerging.
Shopping complexes have a central management system that co-ordinates all promotional activities and gives focus and direction, playing the game of retailing as a well-drilled and disciplined team but with little scope for the independence or community involvement found in external shopping strips.
After many meetings and extensive research a conclusion was reached: a proposed "Main Street Program" was agreed to be the most effective, giving the local comunity, retailers, property owners and Council an opportunity to contribute towards the success of St Marys Town Centre.
A Core Committee and a working committee were formed ensuring a combination of all interested parties. In 1995 the Association formed an incorporated body with an executive committee which has continued to steer the programme towards revitalising the St Marys Town Centre to become ... "a more convenient, interesting and safe place to shop, work and live".
St Marys Town Centre executive committee comprises representatives from town centre landowners, retailers & businesses, council representatives and the Town Centre Manager. Regular management and community meetings are co-ordinated to ensure effective sharing of information.
St Marys Town Centre is now positioned to meet the challenge with real direction. To compete with strong competition from large shopping complexes and bring back the vitality of former days, the business and the local communities have banded together to revitalise our Town Centre. We see St Marys Town Centre as a unique complex with an imaginary roof over the top but, unlike a strictly managed and owned shopping complex, St Marys offers the freedom to include independant business input and community involvement.
