Frankston CBD shopping: Retail back open but traders, lobby group concerned over growing number of vacant businesses
There are growing concerns over the number of vacant shopfronts in Frankston’s CBD, with dozens of businesses sadly boarded up. It comes as the region’s lobby group pushes for an overhaul of a “dilapidated” main road which they say is “scaring off” investors.
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Frankston traders are back to work for the first time in months but remain concerned over the number closed businesses in the CBD.
The Frankston Standard Leader visited the precinct this week and found more than 60 ground level businesses closed, vacant or boarded up.
The region’s gateway, Nepean Hwy, had 32 ground level shopfronts and offices out of 80 closed, vacant or boarded up between Davey and Beach St.
On Playne St between Nepean Hwy and Young St there was 12 out of 31, with 20 out of 74 on Wells St.
As Melburnians returned to retail therapy on Wednesday morning, Bayside Shopping Centre was a hive of activity while Nepean Hwy and Playne St drew little crowds.
A total of 37 shops and offices in the CBD and along Nepean Hwy are listed for sale or lease under leading southeast commercial and industrial agent Nichols Crowder.
My Size clothing trader Leanne told the Leader the shut down of widely popular eateries
including Bayside Shopping Centre’s Coffee Club had hindered foot traffic in the area.
“There’s a lot of empty shops in Frankston which is unfortunate … but I do know there were a few more empties before and during the first lockdown,” she said.
“As more shops open (post Melbourne’s second lockdown) it should bring the fans back … I’d be happy to see more shops open here.
“We did really well with online (sales) during lockdown.”
Gift Plus employee Leanne said her store managed to keep on top of sales despite increasing vacancies nearby.
“We’ve done pretty well … but hopefully people start to come back to Frankston now,” she said.
“We’re just happy to be open after 120 days of lockdown.”
It comes as the Committee for Greater Frankston called for an overhaul of Nepean Hwy, claiming dilapidated buildings and unkept grounds were “scaring off” visitors and investors.
Chief executive Ginevra Hosking told the Leader the highway precinct had been in decline for “many years”.
The northern end of the road also features a number of run down buildings including the infamous Ambassador Hotel.
Ms Hosking said businesses along the thoroughfare had suffered a lack of passing trade due to the “unwelcoming” nature of the area.
“(We need to) create a main street of which are our city can be proud,” she said.
“(The northern gateway) is the first window into Frankston seen by cyclists and motorists and people coming down from Melbourne.
“(Some buildings) have been empty for many years and are now targets for squatters, graffitists and anti-social behaviour.
“How Nepean Hwy looks defines us … it’s a fantastic opportunity to provide work for locals during construction, revitalise the precinct to benefit traders, cafe and restaurant owners and their staff and bring people back to the CBD for a COVID-19 summer.”
Frankston Council chief executive Phil Cantillon said council would be in a better position to assess the extent of the impact of COVID-19 as restrictions eased and people resumed their work and shopping routines.
In February Frankston recorded a commercial business vacancy rate of 25.26 per cent.
“As is case throughout Victoria, businesses in Frankston City have been impacted by the closures and travel restrictions necessary to curb the spread of COVID-19,” Mr Cantillon said.
“Throughout the pandemic council has worked closely with the business community across Frankston to provide the support they need … this was made possible via initiatives included in the $6.434 million Relief and Recovery Package.
“We provided rent relief to businesses operating from Council owned buildings, waived Food Act registration and kerbside trading fees and expanded our business grant program to $450,000, including $270,000 of fast grants for businesses directly affected by COVID-19.
Mr Cantillon said dedicated officers including a business concierge had been reaching out to businesses and forming expert teams to reactivate the region’s hospitality and retail precincts.
“The first step is to fast-track the expansion of outdoor dining and entertainment opportunities across our suburbs, he said.
“Employees across our organisation have been inspired by the initiative shown by local businesses, to adapt and continue serving the community during this challenging time … their flexibility and resilience has been incredible.
“Likewise, residents have really rallied behind local businesses and I would implore them to continue doing so as we strive towards COVID-normal.”
brittany.goldsmith@news.com.au
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