CBD guru Linda Hailey delivered her recommendations to councillors, business people and retailers at a special conference.

“This is a relatively compact business precinct book-ended by two modern shopping malls, charming architectural heritage, a well designed and attractive streetscape, well-managed parking and an extensive retail and product mix,” Ms Bailey said.

But her year-long research identified a number of missed opportunities,  including access to free wi-fi in the Mall, an initiative already offered in  other CBDs such as Brisbane and on public transport.

She said money for the project could be sourced through seed and research funding sources, as well as through a membership fee.

Ms Hailey also urged developing a smartphone app, similar to that adopted by Lane Cove Council to support local business and shops.

“It would provide shoppers with directions to key retailers and cafes, for example and would be a good way to interact with students and shoppers.”

A key to kickstarting business in the Mall would be longer trading hours and Sunday openings, Ms Hailey said.

She also touted “shopping trails” with a voucher system; a new residents’ pack with retail and business information; hiring a part-time coordinator and a calendar promoting events in the CBD.

Reaction from retailers in the Mall to Ms Hailey’s report yesterday was mixed. 

Midale cafe owner Craig Nordstrom and Ed Falloon, owner of men’s clothes shop Savages, lent support to Ms Bailey’s main recommendations, agreeing the idea for free wi-fi in the Mall was good.

Mr Falloon said: “I already trade on Sunday, in fact, in the lead-up to Christmas, I worked 84 days straight.

“The ideas are good because at the moment, there is no vibrancy in the Mall.”

Mr Nordstrom said his cafe was also considering installing heaters and wind-breaks in the outdoor area during winter months to encourage greater use of the outdoors area.

But several traders, who did not want to be named, said opening on Sunday would not be financially viable, while another cafe owner said installing free wi-fi would only encourage students to “sit with a coffee for four hours and use the internet free”.

Armidale mayor Jim Maher said Council would now look at prioritising and costing recommendations.