Currently representing more than 30 retail and commercial businesses, the West End Traders Association (WETA) is preparing to take a more active role in the planning and operations of West End, one of Brisbane’s oldest city suburbs.
West End Traders Association President Peter Marinelli, who has operated his Swiss Gourmet deli in Boundary Street for the past 32 years, said the influx of new residents in the area was bringing opportunities for retailers, but also some challenges. Marinelli said WETA has represented the interests of West End traders for a long time. “Most of us live in the area, as do many of our staff, so we have a genuine and personal interest in the future of West End,” he said.
The business people in the area have an important role to play in West End’s future, serving almost 400,000 customers every year and generating almost $190 million in economic activity, Marinelli said. “WETA will start representing its view more publicly and inject itself more into the public discussions about Boundary Street and the broader West End precinct.”
Marinelli said their primary focus is to build a stronger economy for locals and visitors, with priority issues being community safety, connectivity, access and parking. “We look forward to representing the views of our owners, their staff and their customers as West End moves through its next exciting stages of growth and development.”
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