Popular traders opposite the Cambridge Town Clock include the fish van, foreground, and the knife sharpener at rear.
Waipā District Council is being urged to get the balance right and remember Cambridge’s bricks and mortar stores as it reviews permitted hours of trading for mobile traders at Victoria Square.
Kelly Bouzaid
Mobile traders are concerned their hours could be cut after council transport manager Bryan Hudson said the council had applications for 12 traders in the layby that holds three traders at a time.
Cambridge Chamber of Commerce chief executive Kelly Bouzaid said the chamber supported a well-managed, fair, and future-focused approach to mobile trading that balanced opportunity with the long-term health of Cambridge town centre and its surrounding businesses.
“Mobile traders play a positive role in activating spaces, supporting events, and adding vibrancy,” Bouzaid said.
“When done well, they complement the experience Cambridge offers rather than compete with it. At the same time, we are mindful of our bricks-and-mortar businesses who invest year-round in leases, staffing, compliance and contributing to the local economy. Any review needs to ensure there is equity, clarity, so permanent businesses are not inadvertently disadvantaged.”
Bouzaid said it was less about “yes or no” to mobile traders, and more about where, when, what and how they add value to Cambridge.
Council officers will make the final decision on individual traders and their trading hours after consulting with traders.
Popular traders opposite the Cambridge Town Clock include the fish van, foreground, and the knife sharpener at rear. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
