Traders call for retail space halt

Andrew Mathieson
AN OUTSPOKEN High Street trader has backed calls for a freeze on further retail development, saying shopping centres are killing Belmont’s iconic shopping strip.
Former Belmont Traders Association president Vince Albanese said the outbreak of new and growing shopping precincts in central Geelong, Waurn Ponds and Torquay had “screwed” mum and dad businesses.
“I reckon we’ve had over-development,” Mr Albanese said.
“The centre was done when businesses were at their peak. I think the first consideration in development should now be how are (retailers) already there going to cope.”
Geelong Retail Traders Association president Hayden Spurling told the Independent a fortnight ago that City Hall should consider a moratorium on building more shopping centres.
Mr Spurling was among Geelong business figures who called for a dramatic shift in thinking to draw more shoppers to the central city area.
Mr Albanese said Belmont traders were hurting worse because most were operating family-run shops.
Five or six High Street businesses had closed in the past year, including a flower shop of more than 25 years, he said.
“There are a lot of businesses barely making ends meet,” Mr Albanese said.
“They’re run on such poor returns but they’re just hanging on and hoping things will change.”
Mr Albanese said the closure of Belmont’s library and a medical clinic has reduced “street traffic” that flowed into the shops.
City Hall closed the library for renovations in July, with re-opening scheduled for early 2010.
Mr Albanese said the medical clinic had relocated to Waurn Ponds but he expected a replacement within 12 months.
Council planning portfolio-holder Andrew Katos defended council’s retail development polices.
The days of “massive” expansion were over until a “critical mass” arrived for the residential development of Armstrong Creek, he said.
“I don’t think the numbers are there to do it, especially in the economic climate that it will add up.”
Cr Katos said council could help the Belmont shopping strip with parking but consumers would vote with their feet.
“Retailers have got to look at ways they can attract people back,” he said.
“That’s up to individual businesses, not council. Parking council can control but what they sell in their shops is something that’s really out of our control.”