Opal shop in The Rocks ‘too touristy’ to continue under government strategy
AN opal retailer in The Rocks will close its doors because a government policy is evicting tenants selling products “overtly targeting tourists”.
NSW
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SNOBBY bureaucrats are driving opal and ugg boot shops out of one of Sydney’s tourism hubs — because they attract too many tourists.
Retailers selling Australia’s national gem and its famous sheepskin boots in The Rocks, which draws three million visitors a year, have been told by the state government their leases will not be renewed because Sydneysiders have “negative views” about tourism retailing.
Opal seller Paul Hain, who has been operating his Rockhounds store in George St for 25 years, was given his marching orders in a meeting with Property NSW officials.
This was despite Mr Hain’s offer to pay an extra 25 per cent in rent for a renewed lease.
A Property NSW document said The Rocks leasing strategy called for a range of businesses in the area.
“But those overtly targeting tourists (such as Ugg Boots, Souvenirs and Opal Shops) had been minimised. This plan was in direct response to the research that had indicated that Sydney residents had negative views on the Rocks based upon the extent of tourism retailing.”
Mr Hain said Property NSW made the decision after the property went out to tender.
Although he was willing to increase his annual lease payments to $250,000, Property NSW declined the offer.
Now five people will lose their jobs when his store, whose customers have included Jerry Seinfeld and Sir Anthony Hopkins, closes in August.
“The government should be proud to have opal represented in The Rocks,” Mr Hain said.
NUMBER OF CHINESE VISITORS WELL OVER ONE MILLION
“For 25 years I have serviced tourists and Australians in the area and paid my rent on time.
“I’m so passionate about my business, I have fantastic stock, probably the best stock in Australia.”
A Property NSW spokesman said the leasing strategy aimed to introduce businesses which added to the “daily vibrancy” of the precinct.
“We received a number of proposals and our view was that the tenant was not best placed to meet the objectives of the retail leasing strategy ... as such we will shortly appoint a new tenant.”
But tourism expert Bronwyn White from Mytravelresearch.com said stores selling Australian products and souvenirs were vital for the local economy.
“We all know that’s what The Rocks is, it’s for tourists,” she said.
Other shop owners are nervous they will be next to be evicted when their leases are due. “Everyone’s a little bit worried,” said one woman who claimed tenants had been replaced by cafes which failed after a few months.
Another former tenant said the new policy was wrecking The Rocks: “The shops are being empty for two years … and that is lost rent; that isn’t private money, that’s public money.”
Dutch tourist Theodore Van Beck yesterday said he wanted to buy Australian things when in Sydney.
“We want the better stuff — original Australian stuff,” he said.