Mt Gravatt Central businesses battle to survive
A shopping strip in Brisbane’s south has clawed its way back from the brink with new businesses breathing life into the area. But the battle is far from over.
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A SHOPPING strip in Brisbane’s south has clawed its way back from the brink with new businesses breathing life into the area.
Just over 12 months ago, there were 18 vacant shopfronts at Mt Gravatt Central and now six of those spots have been filled.
Adding to the appeal, a gap in the nightlife market has been addressed with popular Hallowed Grounds Cafe becoming a bar too and the new Johnny’s Shisha Lounge bringing in a different crowd after dark.
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LOCALS WEIGH IN ON ‘GRIM SHOPPING STRIP’
Veteran businessman Michael Sunderland, who is the sales manager at Karalis Real Estate in Mt Gravatt Central, said it had been a team effort to “reinvigorate the area” on Logan Rd.
He said the businesses had banded together and local politicians had pitched in too.
“Mt Gravatt Central is once again becoming the place to be,” he told the Southern Star.
Hallowed Grounds Cafe & Bar co-owner April Shen told the Southern Star they were catering to the demand for nightlife options in the Mt Gravatt area.
“There was a gap in the market,” Ms Shen said.
“There was nothing in the area until you hit Holland Park.”
Ms Shen said her business had been “very successful” in its Logan Rd location and they wanted to “take the opportunity” to expand the options for customers.
“We think there is a demand,” Hallowed Grounds Cafe & Bar co-owner Ian Bensted said.
“Our customers are excited.”
The new liquor licence to serve beer and wine at the establishment comes with a new menu too, according to Ms Shen.
Just nearby is Johnny’s Shisha Lounge which opened a few months ago.
Owner John Alrecaby said there had been “a lot of interest” in the venue since it opened.
“People weren’t expecting that (from Mt Gravatt Central),” he said.
The establishment is open from 6pm till late, seven days a week.
Mr Alrecaby said it was quickly becoming one of the “biggest businesses” on the strip and “everyone is going to benefit” from it.
“It’s a social thing – people come here to chill,” he told the Southern Star.
Recently, ALP State Member for Mansfield Corrine McMillan spoke in front of Queensland Parliament about the reinvigoration of Mt Gravatt Central.
She spoke of how the Mt Gravatt Central Main Street Committee was pushing for implementing a masterplan which would include streetscaping and more alfresco dining options which would incorporate the many laneways.
Mr Sunderland, who is on part of the committee, said he looked forward to Mt Gravatt Central being restored to its “former glory” (which was in the ‘80s).
“We are working to uplift the strip,” he told the Southern Star.
“And get more businesses into the strip.
In 2012, Brisbane City Council identified the Mt Gravatt area as a key economic and employment hub for Brisbane’s south and the wider region, with Logan Rd a major corridor that is well-serviced by high-frequency public transport.
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