Vermont South Shopping Centre to get first upgrade in 45 years

It’s had the same signage and interiors since it opened in the 1970s, so news that Vermont South’s much-loved shopping centre is getting an upgrade will delight shoppers. But the “scary” toilets and coffee-stained carpet are staying for now.

A letter has been missing from a Vermont South Shopping Centre for more than a year.

A much-needed facelift is on the horizon for Vermont South’s beloved shopping centre, which hasn’t been upgraded since it was built 45 years ago.

The rundown centre has long had loyal shoppers calling for a revamp, and a letter has been missing from one of the Vermont South Shopping Centre signs for more than a year.

Management has announced the tired exterior is finally set to be made over, with work to begin in January, but unfortunately there are no plans in sight for the interior — including the old carpet.

The front facade of the 45-year-old shopping centre is set to be replaced.

Readers have been contacting Whitehorse Leader calling for a refresh of the “daggy” centre for years, dubbing it “the shabbiest shopping centre in Whitehorse”.

When asked what shops they wanted to see at the centre, many readers said they adored the range of small independent stores at the shopping complex, but desperately wanted to see a revamp of the space.

Rose Troiani said the stores should remain the same, and the centre just needed a “freshen up”.

“It’s a great small shopping centre and hopefully will stay that way,” she said.

“I love the bakeries, the fish shop, chicken shop, fruit and veggie shop, florists, the $2 shop and, of course, the deli,” Jenny Dore said.

“You don’t find these non-franchise shops elsewhere.”

“The centre needs a full revamp of the ‘scary’ toilets, removal of the archaic carpets, full repaint of indoors/outdoors, more external rubbish bins,” Mary Salatas said.

Complaints about the “coffee-stained” carpet that lines the centre’s sloping floor have been raised continuously over the years.

The 62 stores within Vermont South Shopping Centre, which include florists, a Bakers Delight, Coles and a range of cafes, are all individually owned.

The Owners Corporation is managed by OCVM Group.

Vermont South Shopping Centre’s facade is finally set for a refresh.

General manager Josh Danne said it was important for shoppers to remember the individual store owners had to bear the costs of maintaining and running the centre.

“As I am sure the community can appreciate, the current economic climate challenging small business combined with the responsibility of maintaining an ageing centre does put considerable pressure on the Owners Corporation operational budget,” he said.

“Nonetheless, the owners and traders at the Vermont South Shopping Centre will continue to strive to provide a high level of customer service and a welcoming environment to the local community.”

Mr Danne said the Owners Corporation had decided replacing the facade was “the most pressing upgrade required”.

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The facade and the underside of the front entrance will be replaced in January, complete with an updated colour scheme and new under-eave lighting to enhance the centre’s appearance and security.

Mr Danne said there were no plans to remove the centre’s carpet, which was originally installed to prevent runaway trolleys on the sloping floor.

He said while the carpet was stained, it was cleaned each week.

“We thank the community for their patronage of the Vermont South Shopping Centre and as always their feedback is welcome,” he said.