Activity centers significantly shape our urban areas and the way we live our lives.

The CBD, corner stores and mainstreets were the original activity centres. In more recent decades large shopping centres have been added to the centre mix. Each new trend and form generated fortunes for some and challenges for others.

The Covid-19 pandemic has jolted long term trends and posed a different future. Some local neighborhood activity centers, particularly those in inner city areas, have experienced a resurgence in trade and activity due to increased working from home behaviors and a rediscovery of local neighborhoods. The CBD, most impacted by the decline in international students and work from home behaviors has been hit hardest. Overshadowing all this is the rapid increase in online shopping and emerging ‘click and collect’ models and behaviours.

So what does the future of activity centres look like?

If localisation continues, is the future more corner stores and mainstreets that are easy to access by foot or bike or is it more car-dominated, mega-regional shopping centres? Or is something else?

And what becomes of the CBD? Are the impacts temporary or permanent? What will it take for the city to thrive again? Is it just simply calling workers back into the office or is there a need for a new approach?

What is the role for urban planners, building owners and traders and how do they ensure there are more healthy, equitable and sustainable options for a wider range of people?

As we emerge from the pandemic, now is the time to start thinking about the long term outcomes we want and putting the policies and incentive pieces in place to achieve them.

Panel Host

Reb Rowe: UFX Deputy Chairperson, Urban Planner

Expert Panelists:

Gianna Murphy: Renew Adelaide: Head of Property & Operations, Small business owner

Eduardo de la Fuente: University of South Australia Researcher and Author

James Atkinson: SGS Economics and Planning Associate

Event Details

Date: 8 March

Time: 12:30-1:30pm

UFX Members Professional Plus: Free

UFX Members: $4

General Public: $8

Location: Zoom

The event will be Broadcast from Mache.

EVENT PARTNER: MACHE

We respectfully acknowledge the Kaurna community as the Traditional Custodians of the Adelaide Plains, the land on which we host and broadcast our event. We pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging and their ongoing connection to this land. We acknowledge the First Nations Peoples who have been protecting earth, water, spirit and sky since time immemorial and that it is their communities which are on the front line of the impacts of climate change.

Tickets can be purchased here: