Inspired by the Gold Coast’s night markets and Griffith’s “sidewalk sales”, Cr Koschel said it could be a way to encourage foot traffic in the CBD.

“I went to the River and Wren markets at the showground and there would have been 4500 people there, but when I went back to Baylis Street it was almost empty,” he said. “As a council we can’t regulate rents or electricity costs, but we can get people down there and encourage them to walk into the mum and dad shops that are struggling at the moment.”

A former retail manager himself, Cr Koschel knew firsthand the positive impact events and markets could have on businesses.

“Christmas on main were some of the record days we ever did, we put tables out and sell out by the end of the day,” he said. “there was always a good atmosphere.”

The notice of motion will go before councillors at next Monday’s council meeting.