The projects were identified in a survey of 49 businesses undertaken by the South Dunedin Business Association last month, results released to the Otago Daily Times showed.
Association president Jane Orbell said there was strong agreement between businesses over initiatives that would help improve the "vibrancy and viability" of the South Dunedin shopping district.
Parking was an "ongoing concern" for businesses in the area, with more than 80% of respondents identifying it as an issue still needing to be addressed, she said.
In particular, increases in the size of bus stops had meant the loss of some parks, which had increased congestion and traffic flows in the area.
A South Dunedin library branch was also seen as a "significant catalyst" for community development, boosting foot traffic and "creating a space for people to gather and spend time", she said.
Public toilets had also been an issue, but construction of a facility in Lorne St was now under way.
Businesses also wanted more outdoor shelters, lunch areas, trees and other plantings, as part of efforts to lift the presentation of the area, along with renewed focus on buildings' appearances, she said.
There was also support for the development of a street festival and market days, improvements to traffic flow management and pedestrian safety, Mrs Orbell said.
The survey results follow calls for a public forum to debate ideas for regeneration in South Dunedin, which was last year named by the Ministry of Health as one of the three poorest areas in the South Island, based on 2006 census figures.
Mrs Orbell said "well-tried" plans for economic development in smaller centres such as Ranfurly and Oamaru could be applied to South Dunedin.
The information contained in the survey had already been presented to the council, and would form the basis of the association's annual plan submissions later this year.
The council was looking for land or a building to house a new library branch in South Dunedin, money for which was already in the council's 2012 budget.
