Traders issue appeal for shoppers to stay loyal as diggers move in to Mentone

Traders tell shoppers they are still open for business as earth movers dig up roads and footpaths for the long-awaited major revamp of the ailing Mentone shopping precinct.

Work has begun on the ‘Mentone Renaissance’. Picture Norm Oorloff

Almost five years after the original announcement, work on a major revamp of the ailing Mentone shopping precinct is at last underway — and traders are urging shoppers not to abandon them.

With earth removal equipment on site and partial road closures in place, traders are keen to put out the ‘business as usual’ message.

TRADERS BIG HOPES FOR REVAMP

ASPENDALE TENNANT/LANDLORD STOUSH

Traffic conditions have been affected as a result of the excavations, with footpaths and roads shut on Mentone Pde, between Florence St and Como Parade West.

Scicluna’s Real Food Merchants owner Chris Scicluna wanted to assure people ample parking options remained and said despite the current disruption the end result would be good for Mentone.

“I think that people are looking forward to things happening,” Mr Scicluna said. “They love to see change and new things developing.”

Chris Scicluna of Scicluna's Real Food Merchants wants the community to know it's business as usual in Mentone, despite the works. Picture Norm Oorloff

Work was due to start in July 2016, with Florence St fenced off between Mentone and Como parades, and business owners were becoming frustrated by the lack of progress.

Discussion on the tenancy of the building in the heritage ‘triangle’ site at the junction of Mentone Pde, Como Pde West and Florence St, had slowed progress, as had Kingston Council talks with the Level Crossing Removal Authority in a bid to get both projects working in tandem.

The triangle is to become a European-inspired piazza — the centrepiece of the $5.8 million ‘Mentone Renaissance’, announced in 2014.

Last year some business owners called on the council to get moving on the project, saying the hoarding was an eyesore and Mentone was in desperate need of rejuvenation.

Kingston Mayor Georgina Oxley urged shoppers to continue supporting local businesses.

“The building of the piazza has been a long-anticipated project for residents and local traders,” she said.

“Please continue to pop in to shop or enjoy a meal.”

A new roundabout and landscaping at the Florence and Davies street intersection; closure of Florence St at Kilbreda College and indented parking along Davies St were completed last year.

Transformation of the triangle site and the new public piazza are expected to be completed mid-year.

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