Popular garden centre and cafe turned into ‘absolute dump’
It was once a much-treasured little corner of southeast Sydney, run by none other than Rabbitohs legend George Piggins. But now it is an eyesore, strewn with litter, graffiti and broken fencing.
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It was once a much-loved treasure in Sydney’s south-east.
Now the site of a former cafe and garden centre which served locals for decades has been labelled “an absolute dump”.
The site at 75 Gardeners Rd was home to Gardens R Us for 30 years before closing in 2016.
The landmark – owned by Rabbitohs legend George Piggins and his family – featured a cafe, nursery, gift shop, as well as beautiful gardens and views.
However, the business was forced to close when land owner Sydney Water refused to renew the lease, citing plans to build apartments on the site.
The existing buildings were demolished and the area fenced off.
An ‘authorised personnel only’ sign now hangs on the front gate which is chained shut and copious amounts of graffiti can be seen around the empty site.
“It has become an absolute dump. It is profoundly depressing particularly that Sydney Water has allowed it to get to this state,” Eastlakes resident Martina Jansen said.
“It was a beautiful area that serviced hundreds of people. It was fabulous.
“I used to take my son to the cafe and have a look around at the pond and stream and flowers. It was a huge, huge area and the displays were magnificent.
“It was just spectacular and it was a good area for kids too. It has been a great loss for the community.”
Ms Jansen has held onto a letter sent by Sydney Water in late 2015 advising the community about plans for the future of the site.
The letter stated that Sydney Water intended to “preserve and enhance existing aspects of the site” and provide “access to open space and public amenity”.
However, Ms Hansen claimed the government agency had not kept its word and should clean up the site.
“They have been so totally irresponsible … they could have at least paid for the up-keep of the property.”
She said she would love to see the graffiti removed and the shade cloth around the fence taken down or replaced as it is torn and dangling in areas.
A Sydney Water spokeswoman said a planning proposal was lodged with Bayside Council in 2017 for the site to be developed into apartments.
“As is standard process, Bayside Council provided Sydney Water with feedback on its initial planning proposal.
“Before Sydney Water was able to address this feedback, Bayside Council rejected the proposal in February 2018.
“Sydney Water is now considering its options for the best way forward (for the site).”
The spokeswoman said they would investigate the reports of graffiti, but did not state when cleaning up of the site may be completed.
The proposal lodged by Sydney Water was for 750 apartments to be built at 73 and 75 Gardeners Rd in buildings up to 14 storeys.
Bayside Council said that was not supported by either the Bayside Local Planning Panel or the council.
Mr Piggins said, when Gardens R Us closed in 2016, that it was sad to see the business go.
“This was a place that was dear to everybody, a great nursery and a lovely setting.
“There is so much history here. This was the original wetlands of Sydney but heritage doesn’t mean nothing these days.“