The floral tandem bike next to the merry-go-round was a popular installation on the Walking Trail. Image: Buda Arnedo.
Floral arrangements and activities installed along the Floriade Walking Trail have been enjoyed by thousands of Canberrans and visitors as they made their way through the City Centre to this year’s event.
The walking trail connected Floriade with public transport and parking options in the City Centre. Featuring a living flower wall, merry-go-round, floral directional signs and a flower themed tandem bike, the trail aimed to improve the experience of some of the 433,000 guests who travelled to the event.
City Renewal Authority Branch Manager Place Experience Jennifer Ramsay said that drawing visitors through the walking trail not only improved visitor experience, but it also encouraged business activity.
“Decorating the City Centre gave people another experience to enjoy. It was great to see so many of Floriade’s visitors making their way to Commonwealth Park via City Walk and interacting with our installations,” Ms Ramsay said.
“The increased traffic through the City Centre also had flow-on impacts for local businesses. Many visitors to Floriade stopped for their morning coffee on the way, or a meal on the way home."
The start of the Floriade Walking Trail at Alinga Street light rail station. Image: Buda Arnedo.
Nearby businesses have made the most of the increased visitation including Central Social Club on City Walk. Manager Jim Webster said that the increased foot traffic was great for business.
“We certainly noticed an increase in traffic outside the business and our tourist numbers were definitely up, especially those from interstate,” Jim said.
“The tandem bike outside the club was very popular with plenty of people stopping to take a photo.”
Floriade will make its return to Commonwealth Park next year from 14 September to 13 October 2024.
More information about the Authority’s work to boost visitation to the City Centre and Braddon: Place Experience and Marketing Action Plan.
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