Chocolate Moments owner says he’s set to lose business or be forced to relocate

A Paralympian and Brisbane chocolatier says he is facing the prospect of losing his home and business before work has even started on a crucial Cross River Rail station in Brisbane’s CBD.

A BRISBANE CBD chocolatier says the Cross River Rail has already devastated his business before construction on the project has even begun.

Paralympian Gerrard Gosens has operated his Albert Street business Chocolate Moments for eight years and said the development could cause him to lose his business and home.

But the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (CRRDA) said they met with Mr Gosens several times and offered to fund his relocation.

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Mr Gossens said businesses across both sides of Albert Street had been acquired as part of CRR planning, and as such his business had suffered from decreased foot traffic.

“I lost two thirds of trade in Easter and I’ve lost $100,000 over the past year,” he said.

“They [CRRDA] have offered to help me find somewhere else, and only in the last 24 hours they’ve offered to help with removal costs.”

“Basically I’ve been forced out of a place where I’ve built business over the past eight years, I have a very loyal trade of customers who are regulars in the area and tourists.”

The Courier-Mail understands the location of Mr Gosens chocolate shop is not required for building of the project, and therefore would not be legally resumed by the state government.

Gerrard Gosens with his duide dog Boss outside the site for the Albert Street Cross River Rail station. Picture: AAP/John Gas

A Cross River Rail spokesman said the CRRDA had met with Mr Gosens 16 times to discuss how it could assist him and his business.

“And we met with him again on Thursday morning to offer to help assist him relocate his equipment to his second Brisbane CBD shop.”

The former young Queenslander of the Year, Gosens says he is forced to move because when works begin foot traffic will drop even further and construction with interfere with his product.

“The dust and micro dust will flow into my store and contaminate my chocolate, that’s made and showcased onsite,” Mr Gosens said.

But the Courier-Mail understands the CRRDA does not anticipate a reduction in pedestrian traffic.

The stretch of Albert Street between Mary and Charlotte Street will be permanently closed to traffic, except construction vehicles, from midnight on September 29.

The street will remain open to pedestrians throughout construction and once works complete, become a pedestrian plaza.