Mosman business owners call for lifeline amid town centre upgrade disruptions

Cafe and shop owners are speaking out as noisy construction works on a council upgrade sees foot traffic decline by up 80 per cent in the once busy town centre.

A photo of Mosman business owners impacted by the town centre upgrades.

Mosman shop owners are calling for a community lifeline as the slow pace of major town centre upgrades takes a toll on their businesses.

Noisy construction works as part of the council upgrade of Mosman square and village has seen foot traffic decline by up 80 per cent in the once busy pedestrian thoroughfare.

Work on the project began in January and is scheduled to run for another six months until August.

Most of the construction work is taking place between 7am to 5pm, along with some paving works at night.

The upgrade includes a new playground, improved spaces for events and outdoor dining, and increased lighting and accessibility.

A photo of construction works in the square.

Street Bean cafe owner Arthur Vlachos, whose business is located next to the construction zone, is calling for the community to support businesses impacted by the project.

“A lot of people I think are avoiding the area because of the noise – there’s jackhammering and bulldozers. My business has dropped 80 per cent,” he said. “They’ve barricaded the main entrance off and have only left a small walkway for pedestrians but trucks are running and down, there are forklifts.

A concept image of the completed upgrade.

“I think particularly for the older generation, they see all the construction work and hear the noise and get scared and aren’t using the area any more.”

Another business owner, who asked not to be named, said they had contacted Mosman Council to raise concerns over the timing of the project including why it was not carried during winter or during Covid-19 lockdowns.

The works have also impacted popular restaurant and deli Fourth Village Providore.

“Although we are in favour of the upgrades being completed and don’t want to be a barrier to progress, we have already seen foot traffic affected and we ask for all of Mosman to support all businesses,” manager Dominic Quattroville said.

Fourth Village has also been impacted.

“Many of the businesses have been affected significantly during the Covid period and now have the added burden of the building disturbances’.”

In a statement, a Mosman Council spokeswoman said the council had consulted widely with local business owners about the works.

“(This) included delaying the start of works from before Christmas to the New Year to better suit their needs and the contractors are very experienced in conducting major works in the vicinity of small businesses,” she said.

“Our contractors have opened a shop front on the square to ensure their availability for any questions or concerns from businesses and council and are having an ongoing conversation with business operators regarding the impacts on their businesses.

“Council anticipates the majority of the works will be completed by July and is seeking to minimise the disruption to shoppers and business owners as much as is practicable.

“The last time major works were carried out in the square was 1988 and the upgrade is being carried out with a view to ensure these very positive changes will stand the test of time, providing a great venue for residents to enjoy relaxing, outdoor dining, markets and other events.”

The town centre upgrade is estimated to cost about $3 million and is partly funded by a state government grant.

The upgrade has a range of environmental features including low carbon concrete, water-sensitive design and recycled materials.