Traders fear Hutt St is heading towards its demise
A new report shows Hutt St is on a sad decline thanks to anti-social behaviour. And a redevelopment on the street will only make it worse, locals worry.
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Hutt St is “on a sad decline” and has “lost its soul” because of anti-social behaviour, a report says.
Consultants Hudson Howells, which was commissioned by the Hutt St Traders Association, found patronage in the area was lower than usual and not as many people were setting up shop on the CBD strip.
The report backs the association’s long-held view that flagging trade is due to anti-social behaviour by Hutt St Centre clients.
“The reality is that Hutt Street is in sad decline,” it says.
“Hutt St is unfortunately now better known for anti-social behaviour and risks to safety and security – the street has lost its soul.
“The landlords, traders and developers are all suffering badly … there is united recognition that this situation needs fixing but there is no solution in sight.”
The Hutt St Centre recently lodged plans with Adelaide City Council for a $2.2 million redevelopment, to improve access and increase space.
The traders group wrote to the council last week about its concerns over the proposal, including a 23-signature petition saying it should not be approved.
The report surveyed 19 businesses, with 15 saying trade had declined in the past year, while one said it had improved.
Association secretary Wayne Copley said the Hutt St Centre was creating public nuisance and ruining small family businesses.
“Unfortunately, the centre appears to be intent on protecting, at all costs, its antiquated operations by proposing further development in Hutt St, which will only serve to … set a course for ongoing and escalating conflict,” he said.
But a parliamentary inquiry in September heard from police that the centre had been incorrectly blamed for crime.
Hutt St Centre board chairman Tim O’Callaghan said he was “quietly confident” renovations would address traders’ concerns.
An SA Police spokeswoman told The Advertiser police have a “visible” presence on Hutt St and South Tce to reduce anti-social behaviour.