“One of the primary aims of the Kempsey and District Chamber of Commerce is to support local business prosperity and to encourage investment in Kempsey,” Chamber president Gary Scott said.

“One of the issues the Chamber sees as pertinent in the CBD is that of the empty shops, which leave a negative impression on visitors and locals."

At last week's Chamber meeting CBD retail owners were invited to give feedback on the proposal.  

Mr Scott told The Macleay Argus the issue created considerable discussion and debate as to what the Chamber’s role, if any, should be to improve the look of the CBD. 

“There was good support to encourage more use of empty shops in the CBD," Mr Scott said.

"The long-term view is that more should be done to attract permanent retail investment within the CBD, but as a short-term measure the Chamber would like to see its members, local retailers, and community groups contact local landlords and managing agents with a view to using vacancies for displays and festive decorations. 

“Any contact or expressions of interest need to be directed to the owners and agents for these premises."

Mr Scott said the short-term use of the empty shops was secondary to the more long term concerns raised in relation to the proposed Smith St redevelopment, and the overall development of the town. 

“It is important to encourage pride within the CBD, but also to drive long-term prosperity to town to attract new investment and new businesses, while giving existing businesses the opportunity to grow,” Mr Scott said.

The Kempsey Shire Council supports the initiative and Chamber’s proactive approach to addressing the issue. 

“Empty shops are a bad look for any town, so temporary solutions such as dressing the windows with cloth, artwork or displays, or bringing in short-term tenants or pop-up businesses are all do-able options,” Kempsey Shire Council Economic Sustainability manager Susannah Smith said.