Mart 130 operators in bitter stalemate with State Government over lease arrangements
THE operators of a popular rail cafe destroyed by fire eight months ago could be forced to walk away from the business if the State Government refuses to act.
Inner South
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THE operators of a popular rail cafe destroyed by fire eight months ago are locked in a bitter feud with the State Government over its reopening.
Kate and Richard Anstee face a $200,000 bill to fit out Mart 130 cafe, which is not due to be rebuilt until next year.
Mart130 cafe at Middle Park Light Rail burnt down six months ago, but owners still can’t rebuild
Mart 130 cafe at Middle Park Light Rail Station destroyed by flames
But they said they’d been offered a lease of just six years after which rivals could vie to take their place.
The Anstees also face a likely rent increase following a valuation of the new building.
The couple wants a 25-year agreement to make it financially viable for them to sink money into refurbishing the building’s interior.
Ms Anstee told the Leader: “We’re trying to determine if it’s even worth our while to reopen”.
“The rebuild isn’t due to be finished until May next year so by the time we get in there we’ll only have about four and a half years left on the lease,’’ she said.
The couple’s dispute with Public Transport Victoria started before February’s blaze, which fire investigators found was caused by a faulty power point.
Severe termite damage was also identified within the timber structure.
“The fire happened because (the State Government) didn’t maintain the building and now they’re telling us it’s a very valuable asset — you can’t have it both ways,” Ms Anstee said.
“You can’t say it’s a valuable asset and then do no maintenance on it.”
Mart 130 had operated at the site for 12 years, with the couple taking it over about six and a half years ago.
PTV did not answer specific questions about its plans for the site’s future, when the rebuild would be finished or why the Anstee’s had not been offered a longer lease at the site.
“PTV is committed to rebuilding the historic building at the Middle Park Light Rail Station,” a spokesman said.
A spokesman for Yarra Trams said the organisation was “in negotiations with the cafe operator about a new lease”.
Designs for the rebuild are expected to be submitted to Port Phillip Council for planning approval soon.
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