Surry Hills businesses count the toll of light rail construction

THE continuing closure of businesses along Devonshire St has sparked concern about the impact of light rail works on Surry Hills.

Light rail construction at Devonshire St, Surry Hills.

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THE continuing closure of businesses along Devonshire St has sparked concern about the impact of light rail works on Surry Hills.

Five months after the thoroughfare was declared a works zone, the progressive death march has already caused small businesses, including cafes, Coffee Connextion and Cafe Gallery, to shut their doors.

Branding agency Ascender Design and clothing brand Kit and Ace have also relocated from the street due to the impact of construction, while other businesses will be forced out as landlords take advantage of the works period to renovate their buildings.

Surry Hills Creative Precinct vice president Leigh Harris said some businesses and individuals had been “seriously damaged, even losing their businesses and livelihoods in the area completely”.

Light rail construction at Devonshire St, Surry Hills.

While the business community supported the project and some businesses are thriving, significant disruption to trading from noise, dust, and a lack of pedestrian and vehicle access has the local community and vendors concerned about what is still to come.

A “pinch point” at the corner of Marlborough and Devonshire streets will see construction come right up to the footpath, “so operating a retail businesses in those circumstances will be extremely challenging”, Mr Harris said.

“I think we will see some different fallout.”

The nature of the works mean the information relayed to businesses change frequently as plans are updated, making it difficult to plan for the future.

Gallery Cafe along Devonshire St has closed.

“Communication from Transport for NSW has been good and consistent, but there is certainly some challenges with not knowing exactly when the construction is going to start,” Mr Harris said.

“We won’t know what the reality is until it’s upon us,” Mr Harris said.

“Small businesses are good at adapting to change and seeing opportunity in all situations, but not everyone is able to take advantage.”

A Transport for NSW spokesman said the authority was working closely with the Department of Industry to provide support to small businesses through the Small Biz Connect Program.

DEVONSHIRE STREET LIGHT RAIL ANIMATION

“The program has independent advisers who can provide personalised and highly subsidised face-to-face and group advisory support to help businesses identify new opportunities, as well as make any necessary adjustments to stay competitive and resilient during this period of change and transformation,” the spokesman said.