When asked how commercial development could be increased in the area, independent mayoral candidate Gary Lucas said he would discuss with the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce how to increase interest when he was elected to council.

Wendy Waller, the Labor mayoral candidate, whose answer represented all of the Labor team, said the council was well placed because of existing planning instruments to encourage commercial developments in the CBD.

``Liverpool now has the status of a regional centre,'' Ms Waller said.

``We are keen to progress the associated blueprint for optimising CBD land use and further development associated with this status.

``Council will play a critical role as a facilitator and a negotiator in the planned expansion of commercial opportunities and such developments that follow.''

Independent candidate Signe Westerberg said the council could encourage development by working with the CBD's small-business owners in the development of larger commercial buildings.

``We need to consult with stakeholders, local businesses looking for investment opportunities and government departments, to create a workable long-term plan and get moving on developing the CBD,'' Ms Westerberg said.

Independent mayoral candidate Phil Sim said people would not want to set up businesses in the CBD until the council provided adequate parking facilities.

Liberal candidate Ned Mannoun said that to encourage development, the council needed to make the Liverpool CBD safer.

``We need to install CCTV cameras to get the criminals and drug users out of Liverpool and reduce the number of methadone clinics in this area, so these people aren't hanging around our streets,'' Mr Mannoun said.

``Also, council needs to encourage government departments and the larger corporate companies that are based in the city to relocate here.

``It would be a great idea to create a cafe strip here, just like there is in Parramatta, and that would attract more people.''