Peter Van The Party Man to close in March, then be demolished to make way for intersection upgrade
The party is winding down for Peter Van the Party Man, which will shut down within weeks following a lengthy dispute over a $60 million intersection upgrade.
South
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Peter Van the Party Man will close its doors for good on March 1.
The Panorama business, part of the fabric of Adelaide life for more than 40 years, is being shut down as part of State Government plans for the notorious $60 million Springbank/Goodwood/Daws Rd intersection project.
Under the compulsory acquisition, run by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, the blue building will be demolished to make way for the expanded intersection.
Owner Mark Van, 64, said he virtually broke down in tears telling his nine staff the news.
“It’s very heartbreaking and especially for my staff,” Mr Van said.
“This is totally out of my control but I’ve had a lot of sleepless nights.
“I was informed last week that they (DPTI) want vacant possession of the property for March 1.
“They’ve worked out it’s cheaper for them to buy the business and effectively extinguish it than it is to relocate us.”
Mr Van is yet to agree on compensation for the business, begun by his father Peter Van, but says the government offer falls well short of his desired $500,000.
‘It’s not a lot of money in the scheme of things,” he said.
“Really I would have liked $1 million and might have got it a couple of years ago but it’s been a poor year for the business with all the uncertainty.”
Mr Van said he had already found a new site for the business, but when the government changed its mind about paying relocation costs his hopes sank.
“It’s just not financially viable for me to pay the costs of relocation,” he said.
“I don’t blame the government, who was always going to pay the lesser amount. There’s no sentiment here.
“The Caltex service station built over two years ago will also be extinguished. But they have more power when they are negotiating with DPTI.
“I just want a reasonable price so both sides can be winners and I can look after my staff.”
Mr Van said he’s spoken with the Small Business Commissioner John Chapman, his lawyer and accountant to help the process.
The end of his business is effectively a forced retirement for the man who has spent his entire working life, that began with Van’s Food Barn selling bread, at the corner of Springbank and Goodwood Rds.
He’s not planning any party for the final day of operation.
“We’re considering a small gathering for all the staff who have worked at the building,” he said.
“All my staff and customers have been brilliant – it’s just so sad it’s ending like this.”
