Four simple secrets to making a thriving precinct.

I still come across developers and architects who fill precincts with food and beverage tenancies, believing there is limitless demand for dining. Sadly, a poorly planned precinct will result in business failure for well-meaning operators.

1. It’s not all about the food and beverage! The mix of cuisine, dining style and price position is essential to your precinct appeal; it is only part of the story. For a precinct to succeed, it needs maximum activation across opening hours. For destination precincts, visitors will be seeking additional reasons to visit. Introducing leisure and entertainment attractions such as cinemas, galleries, play parks, and arcades will complement the food and beverage experiences and increase dwell times.

2. Create comfortable spaces. Good design will go a long way to support the success and appeal of any location. Precincts should offer visitors a range of dwell areas to rest and recharge. These public areas should be seamlessly integrated with the attractions and outlets. Contemplation areas that allow visitors to take it all in are essential to emphasise their experience.

3. Introduce a mix. A good precinct has something for everyone and is curated to appeal to a broad demographic of a visitor. From quick snacks to long lunches and date nights, the range of food and beverage should cater for all occasions, age groups and budgets.

4. Curate and manage. A recent review of booming waterfront precincts worldwide highlights a common thread of ongoing management and curation of the location by a central group or entity. The importance of this cannot be overstated. Precincts must be managed, marketed, and curated effectively to communicate effectively and constantly refine the experience to meet visitor expectations.

If you want to create a place where people want to be, call the Alto team.