Brisbane Mitre 10 store closes after 23 years
A long-standing Brisbane hardware store will close in a matter of days due to spiralling rent costs, leaving this inner-city area without any handyman outlets for the first time in a quarter of a century.
Local
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Lewis Bros Mitre 10 will shut on Sunday after operating in Cordelia St, South Brisbane, for more than 23 years.
But the good news is there will be no job losses and regular customers will still receive deliveries, from another Lewis Bros Mitre 10 in Kenmore in the inner-west.
Lewis Bros Cordelia St manager Brett Richardson said rents were unrealistically high in the area due to landlords chasing tax write-offs.
“We’re trying to move elsewhere in the area, but all the rents have been raised,’’ Mr Richardson said.
“Our closest store is in Elizabeth St in the CBD. The nearest other hardware stores are in Paddington, True Local at Wellers Hill or Bunnings at Rocklea or Newstead.
“At this stage we’re moving stock and staff to our Kenmore branch.
“We had Mitre 10 come out here to look for locations but they couldn’t find anything even though many of the warehouses around here are empty _ the rents are unrealistic.’’
The store is independently owned by Warwick Lewis, who also runs the Kenmore store, but operates under the Mitre 10 brand.
Councillor Jonathan Sri (The Gabba) said it was yet another example of gentrification of the area driving out small businesses.
He said the site was earmarked for high density residential and was next to Aria “green’’ tower.
But there was no current development application so the site could be vacant for a long time.
Cache of weapons found in Kangaroo Point soldier’s bedroom
New Broadway Hotel demolition plan
“This is part of a broader problem with a gap in our planning laws,’’ Cr Sri said.
“We need to ensure these types of businesses are viable because if we leave it to the free market, no one will rent to a little hardware store or businesses like that.’’
“As far as I know, this is the last dedicated hardware store anywhere within the current boundaries of the Gabba ward, which has a population of 45,000 residents.’’
A proposed Bunnings at Woolloongabba has not yet proceeded.
“This is one of the reasons I’ve been pushing Council and the State Government to introduce a vacancy levy or vacancy tax on empty homes and shops,’’ Cr Sri said.
“So many sites have been rezoned for high-density development in 4101 that hardware stores, auto mechanics etc can’t find affordable spaces to operate out of long-term.
“Although some urban planners would understandably argue that hardware stores are not the most efficient use of inner-city land, it’s obvious that inner-city residents do still need access to these kinds of businesses on a regular basis.
“The loss of retailers like this means that residents have to drive further away if they need hardware supplies, which in turn generates more traffic, and makes it harder for people to live a car-free lifestyle.’’
The news was greeted with dismay by local residents who took to social media to vent their anger.
“Current development is all about greed and not about common sense/good planning. It’s very sad,’’ Amy Evans posted on Facebook.
Lesley Synge posted: “It’s a great business and the staff are always really helpful.’’