Shakespeare Grove drain replacement project threatens St Kilda businesses

A major development project has sparked fears for the future of Luna Park’s heritage-listed rollercoaster and other historic St Kilda businesses.

Traders and residents are concerned major drilling works will cause damage to landmark structures and further disrupt business in St Kilda.

The future of Luna Park’s heritage-listed Scenic Railway — and expensive bottles of wine at a nearby restaurant — could be under threat from a major development project, traders say.

Heavy drilling work is due to start on the $15 million Shakespeare Grove main drain outlet replacement in April, sparking concerns the 109-year-old rollercoaster and other landmark buildings could be damages as a result of the vibrations.

Foreshore businesses have been told drilling will stretch from 7am to 6pm daily. The work is slated to continue into the busy summer months, causing major noise and disruptions to nearby entertainment venues.

The water authority has reportedly told operators it will try to fix any structural damage “where possible” but won’t compensate them for any loss of business.

It comes after traders suffered through the worst six months in memory, including forced closures stemming from COVID-19 restrictions.

Several traders and residents have told the Leader they have “grave concerns” for businesses and buildings in the area.

Kevin Donovan, operator of beloved Donovan’s restaurant, told the Leader it would be “impossible” to open the restaurant for lunch with noise from drilling works going on.

“Even if we did (open), who would want to come and eat here with that constant pounding going on?,” he said.

“Summer is, naturally, our busiest time of year and we’ve already been closed now for so long that this is just a really hard blow to take.

Mr Donovan, who has operated the popular Jacka Blvd restaurant alongside wife Gail for the past 24 years, said he had 5000 bottles of wine worth about $300,000 which he feared could be damaged by the heavy vibrations.

“(Melbourne Water) said they won’t compensate us for that so we’re looking into whether we put them in a storage shed, at more expense to us,” he said.

He said there were also “major concerns” about structures at Luna Park, including the historic rollercoaster.

“We just don’t know how far these vibrations travel or what damage they might cause,” Mr Donovan said.

Luna Park chief executive Matt Butta said the theme park supported the critical infrastructure works but was critical of the timing.

“Our businesses have been heavily impacted by the pandemic and we question why these disruptive works must be scheduled around our peak times,” he said.

Melbourne Water program delivery general manager Eamonn Kelly previous touted the project — which will include a 360-degree viewing platform over Port Phillip Bay named the ‘Circle of Reflection’ — as an “attractive addition” to the area.

A Melbourne Water spokeswoman said works would only start once the risk of any damage had been assessed.

“We will continue to work closely with local businesses to ensure there is as little disruption as possible, with constant monitoring of any noise and vibration impacts,” she said.