Should Bunbury follow in Freo's footsteps?

Bunbury businessman Anthony Palumbo would like Bunbury to follow in the footsteps of Fremantle and close its cappuccino strip to cars in order to host a market.

It was revealed last week that the Fremantle City Council would test the closure for the next three Sundays to see whether it could become a regular fixture.

Mr Palumbo, who owns the Benesse cafe, said the section of Victoria Street from Wellington Street to Symmons Street would benefit from a similar approach, with the road closed for weekend markets and street performers.

"If you close it you need to have markets not food stalls because they are already here," he said.

"Just closing it may send everyone away."

Mr Palumbo said pop-up stores and more retail outlets could also bring more foot traffic to the area.

"It is not about food, it is about food and retail coming together," he said.

Cafe Bean owner John Ventris agreed the road should be closed for special events, but did not think it should be so regular.

"For special events it would be great," he said. "I do not think it would be good full-time or every weekend."

Mr Ventris said he believed hospitality in the CBD was doing well and things should not change.

"This year has been very good for us," he said.

A plan for a walking mall through Victoria Street was touted by Bunbury City Council in April 2012, but it never eventuated.

Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan also pushed for the idea last April and told the _South Western Times _ his position on the matter had not changed.

"I think we need to convince retailers in our city, particularly in our CBD area, that the more we make our city centre walkable - that is, a transition from motorists to pedestrians and cyclists - the more profitable their businesses will become," he said at the time.

"It is a win-win for health as well as for business turnover."