The Village Centre in Wonga Park, Melbourne virtually a ‘ghost town’ with just one tenant left

IT’S been labelled a ‘ghost town’, and now this once-vibrant shopping centre only has one store left. Local residents can’t believe how much it’s deteriorated.

Martin Cassar is a shop owner forced out f the Village Centre in Wonga Park. In the past few years, the landlord in Wonga Park has forced out all but one business, leaving the area without a commercial centre. Picture: Valeriu Campan

MYSTERY surrounds the future of a Wonga Park shopping centre – labelled a “ghost town” – with the owner refusing to answer calls.

The Village Centre has only one trader left after Flakey Bites fish and chip shop moved last month, continuing a long-running trend of businesses leaving the centre.

Flakey Bites co-owner Martin Cassar said he had repeatedly attempted to secure a new lease, to no avail.

“Ours was the only vacant shop when we moved in and it was a happening place,” Mr Cassar said.

“We’ve watched it deteriorate into a ghost town.”

The sole remaining business is Lyn Munro’s LJ’s Total Look Hair.

“I have to bring my own packed lunch, especially since the bakery closed. Now you can’t even get fish and chips; you can’t get bread and milk,’’ Ms Munro said.

However, Ms Munro is determined to remain open for the sake of her customers.

“I don’t have a lease, I rent month to month and I don’t want to leave unless (the centre’s owner) forces me to.’’

An online listing for the lease of the centre trumpets its potential.

“The site was designed to be a convenience shopping destination catering to the needs of the local community,” the listing states.

The Manningham Leader was hung up on during attempts to speak with the centre’s owner, Pamela Morris, and voice messages were not returned.

A Facebook page – Petition to save Wonga Park Village shops – has attracted hundreds of likes and messages of support for the traders.

Sarah Louise Roberts urged people to support the petition.

“Lots of memories at this place and very sad what is being done to it,” Ms Roberts posted.