Vote of confidence: Toyworld’s Susan Dillon prepares to open her shop at Torquay Central.
ERIN PEARSON AND KIM WATERS
TORQUAY Central has gone into receivership, according to a company appointed to take over its management.
Insolvency firm KordaMentha confirmed it had been appointed receiver for the shopping centre, which opened in 2007.
A spokesperson for KordaMentha declined to comment further on the centre’s future.
Retail developments company Austrexx bought Torquay Central in 2006 for $16 million. The company, which owns Direct Factory Outlets, ran into debt problems last year.
Several retail chains have ceased operations at Torquay Central over the past year, including clothing retailers Country Road and Brown Sugar.
Torquay Traders and Tourism Association president Martin Duke hoped KordaMentha’s management would provide “stability” for the centre’s tenants.
“Anything to keep the centre going is going to be a positive thing It’s there now, so we don’t want a big white elephant. We want to move it along,” Mr Duke said.
“It would be a good thing if they can get the new owners to operate efficiently and effectively and keep the current shops in there.”
Mr Duke said Torquay Central had struggled with a “high turnover” of stores.
“There were a lot closing over the past couple of years. Hopefully this will settle them all down.
“Stability is the best thing for that centre.”
Mr Duke said the impending opening of Toyworld at the centre would be a “good drawcard”.
He wanted a new focus on improving Torquay Central’s “connection” with shops in Gilbert Street.
“That may mean working with council or the (next) owners to develop proper pathways or working with local businesses. Local businesses need to work together to make the whole of Torquay more combined.”
Torquay Toyworld owner Susan Dillon said her store would open this weekend.
She was “confident” of her prospects despite the centre’s troubles.
“There’s been overkill in Torquay on the whole clothing concept,” Ms Dillon said.
“There wasn’t enough variety, so we’re hoping to bring that in and add something different.
“I think our store is definitely needed and a positive for Torquay Central.”
