23.07.2020Behind the scenes – Good Cycles Customs Square Social Enterprise cluster

Committee for Melbourne’s communications team was engaged by social impact member Good Cycles to support their quest to transform Customs Square with Melbourne’s first social enterprise cluster. Committee for Melbourne successfully worked with the Herald Sun to amplify the positive message.

Good Cycles is leading Melbourne’s first ever social enterprise cluster, which will see a complementary group of social enterprises transform the Customs Square precinct into a dedicated retail and community engagement space.

Jaison Hoernel, CEO of Good Cycles, said “Customs Square is about providing real jobs to disadvantaged Victorians, which is why we’ll be partnering with social enterprises who share this purpose”.

Customs Square has traditionally been problematic; it is a large dead-space and has attracted social issues. The new site will support The City of Melbourne’s vision for the future by supporting delivery of and engagement with the Melbourne community.

With employment for disadvantaged Victorians at the heart of Customs Square’s new offering, Jason Hoernel says “Tracking the employment and social impact will be paramount.” Think Impact have been engaged to develop a “social value framework that will predict and measure the social value created across employment, collaboration and more”.

Central to the activation and in line with City of Melbourne’s draft Transport strategy, is the delivery of promotion and education of active transport (including cycling). Jason Hoernel says, “we’ll be promoting the benefits of riding a bike – not only is it great for our wellbeing, but it contributes to reducing carbon emissions and congestion by replacing vehicles on the street.”

“Committee for Melbourne supports the collaborative approach that our innovative member Good Cycles has launched with its highly anticipated Customs Square Social Enterprise Cluster.  This will enhance Melbourne’s economic, social and environmental future and is a great example of social innovation.  Good to see the City of Melbourne, another Committee member, throwing its support behind this venture, which is consistent with the City’s vision for the future of the CBD” said Martine Letts, CEO Committee for Melbourne.

Get in touch with the Communications team by contacting Laura Kerr Melvin