Mr Rogers, a prominent real estate agent and property developer who has since dedicated his time and effort towards growing Bathurst's brand on the wider stage, said there's a real opportunity to lift business in the CBD post-lockdown with several empty shops to fill and CBD properties down in price around 20 per cent.

READ ALSO: Bathurst tourism advocates feel there's greater visitor potential to unlock

"We need our museums heavily promoted, and we need signage on our highways and strategic locations around Bathurst [i.e. Mount Panorama] to get people into town, because it's just not happening," Mr Rogers said.

"Yes, the preservation of heritage is important, but sometimes it can go too far, and we can't let heritage concerns hold up projects with more pros than cons, such as the Bathurst Integrated Medical Centre, for the town's future."

In his dealings with council, Mr Rogers has found it's against heritage for heritage-listed CBD buildings to have above-awning signs, which he feels detracts certain companies from wanting to invest.

"If you expect companies and businesses to look after these buildings and pay out the extra money, you've got to look after them by ensuring their business can be sustainable," he said.

READ ALSO: Bathurst MP Paul Toole undecided on deputy premier push after Barilaro quits

"Most who raise heritage concerns do not own property in the CBD, and there's around 65 to 70 vacant shops; we need to activate these spaces as soon as possible to further drive business."

Mr Rogers also raised the 'six-figure' Bathurst Streets as Shared Spaces trial and how there's nothing in it for brighter footpath lighting to energise the attractiveness of CBD streets.

"Orange City Council received $700,000 from the state government to put in these energy-efficient festoon lights along Summer Street, and they're working on the same for their side streets, and it looks fantastic at night," he said.

READ ALSO: Vivability's Support Matters group running a second session

"Bathurst looks tired at night by comparison, and council has told me a streetlight project akin to Orange's wouldn't work here because of our CBD's layout and fears it could take away from the Winter Festival."

"The Winter Festival is two weeks of the year, why not think about the other 50."

Bathurst mayor Ian North said marketing will play an essential role in re-energising the local business sector post-lockdown.

"It's why we've got to work really hard on projects like expressions of interest for the old TAFE building and the medical centre: these projects will bring life and vitality to Bathurst," Cr North said.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: