Craigieburn Plaza traders plea for help after big drop in business

THE banks and post office have moved out of this shopping centre in Melbourne’s northwest, leaving the remaining traders worried for their future.

Craigieburn Central (340 Craigieburn Rd) and the old Craigieburn Plaza (10 Craigieburn Rd) Plaza

CRAIGIEBURN shoppers and store owners are desperately pleading for their old plaza to be saved before business slumps for good.

Trade has slowed significantly at the Craigieburn Rd precinct since the new shopping centre, just over 2.5km away, was built in 2013.

Matters were made worse when Australia Post relocated to Craigieburn Central last year, despite a lengthy campaign to have it stay.

But it hasn’t been the only change to hit the plaza — ANZ closed its doors a couple of years ago, with the Commonwealth Bank to follow suit on February 26.

Locals took to social media to air their concerns, with many calling for a major overhaul.

Facebook user Leigh Hardridge said she was happy to support businesses at the plaza “but it needs to be spruced up”. Michael White labelled it “drab and ­depressing”.

Craigieburn Cake Kitchen owner Haydn Gregson, who spearheaded the Australia Post campaign, said the area had no drawcards left, particularly with the Commonwealth Bank leaving.

He said their business had dropped 33 per cent in the past two years.

The new Craigieburn Central is proving more popular with shoppers than the old Craigieburn Plaza.

Meanwhile, the Super Bargains discount store is set to close, while it is understood new businesses, ­including a tattooist, will soon make their way in.

“At the end of the day it’s got to be financially viable and there are virtually no majors like banks or a post office there at all,” Mr Gregson said.

Zonjme Arena of Zed’s Jewellery and Gift Shop said their trade had suffered about 20 per cent.

“I worry about when we lose the bank,” she said. “A lot of shops are closing.

“No one comes here because they all want to go to the new shopping centre.”

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Local woman Gayle Johnstone said it was a shame the old area couldn’t be catered for alongside the new.

“We lost the post office, now the bank — what’s that saying to all those shops that have stuck with that shopping centre?” she said.

“When I first came to Craigieburn that was the only thing we had. It’s a shame because it can be a good little place.”

A Commonwealth Bank spokeswoman said they had considered a range of factors to ensure the move was in line with “community ­expectations, customer preferences and business priorities”. She said fewer customers were using the branch, with existing staff to be relocated nearby.

Body corporate Strata Plan did not respond to Leader’s inquiry.

A SLOW DECLINE

Late 2013: ANZ Bank branch exits the plaza.

November 2014: Traders call for parking restrictions to be lifted, particularly with business quietening on the back of Highlands and Craigieburn Central shopping centres opening.

February 2015: Tenants start a petition after being told the Australia Post branch will be relocating to Craigieburn Central due to “a decline in numbers”.

March 2015: Traders are told a postal point will be installed in the plaza, but it will not include bill payment, post boxes or banking services. McEwen federal Labor MP Rob Mitchell joins discussions with Australia Post.

June 2015: Australia Post opens new “superstore” at Craigieburn Central, despite campaign, and indicates there is no need for an extra service at the plaza. Super Saver Discount Chemist reveals it is operating a postal point, offering stamps, envelopes, parcel packaging and express post products. Hume councillors call for urgent meeting with Australia Post chief executive.

January 2016: Commonwealth Bank informs customers it will close its doors.