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Level Crossing Removal to demolish op-shop

After 40 years in the community Broadmeadows Rotary Club op-shop could be forced to close its doors as land is acquired for the Glenroy Rd level crossing project. The club president has warned community services and scholarships could also disappear.

Broadmeadows Rotary Club president Judy Ellis at the group’s Glenroy opportunity shop. Picture: Rob Leeson.
Broadmeadows Rotary Club president Judy Ellis at the group’s Glenroy opportunity shop. Picture: Rob Leeson.

Level crossing work could force a Glenroy charity store to close up shop.

The Broadmeadows Rotary Club community opportunity shop, leased on VicTrack land, may be demolished after 40 years as part of the Glenroy Rd level crossing removal.

Club president Judy Ellis said the organisation wouldn’t be able to fund community support services if the shop was lost.

“Removing the op-shop would be devastating,” she said.

“It’s not just the way we raise money, but it’s about the services the shop provides.”

Judy Ellis is worried the Broadmeadows Rotary Club could lose revenue if the shop closes down. Picture: Rob Leeson.
Judy Ellis is worried the Broadmeadows Rotary Club could lose revenue if the shop closes down. Picture: Rob Leeson.

Ms Ellis wanted to see the space, first built in 1965, saved or the club receive compensation for the forced move.

Money raised through the store is put toward community gardens, youth scholarships and other support services.

Level Crossing Removal Project north west project director Michael Caink said they would work to support the Rotary Club.

“It is likely we will require the land the building is on to allow for construction to remove this dangerous and congested level crossing,” he said.

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“As with all significant infrastructure projects there will be some impacts during construction and the team will work with the community to minimise those impacts.”

About 19,000 vehicles pass through the Glenroy Rd level crossing every day.

Ms Ellis said the club didn’t have the people power to move elsewhere.

“We wouldn’t be able to fund the students in the same way if we lost the op-shop completely,” she said.

“Everything we’ve been able to do for schools and community groups would just disappear.”

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/level-crossing-removal-to-demolish-opshop/news-story/45a726fa1f8e5424d3596060d3444fbf