Organic Larder adds its name to Geelong CBD business calling for compensation as two-way traffic is set to return

Another Malop St business has added its name to the list of traders calling for green spine compensation as the project’s timeline becomes clearer.

Not happy: Jayden Villinger from Malop St business Organic Larder. Photo: Alan Barber.

Two-way traffic will return to Malop St in the lead-up to Christmas but angry business owners say they should still be compensated due to a dramatic drop off in trade during the green spine works.

In its latest update to businesses, the state government said construction would pause from December 22 to January 8.

Before the break, the westbound lane was expected to reopen and a raised pedestrian crossing completed.

The completion of all works on the south side of Malop St between Yarra and Bellerine streets, including line marking and finalising the bike lane, will be completed in January.

There is no time frame on when work on the north side will commence, with the state government’s website stating it is “subject to future funding and approvals”.

Jayden Villinger, operator of Organic Larder, said his turnover was down 30 per cent on the same time last year.

“I’ll be seeking compensation, it’s only fair considering the impact these works have had on my business and all those along the street,” he said.

“I’ll be sending off a letter shortly.”

Green spine works in Malop St continue to impact businesses. Photo: Alan Barber.

Sharon Wootton of Stan Wootton Locksmiths agreed businesses should be compensated, potentially in the form of a reduction in land tax or council rates.

She said trade was down “a minimum of a third” but wasn’t confident anything would be forthcoming.

“Whatever we say isn’t going to change a thing,” Ms Wootton said.

“Our customers have been very supportive but all of them say something about the difficulty in accessing the store.”

Other businesses have reported a more than 50 per cent drop in trade.

The state government established an engagement team to address concerns raised by traders, but a spokeswoman did not address specific questions about what work it was doing and whether compensation was on the table.

“Construction on the green spine project has been scheduled so that traders can remain open between Yarra and Bellerine streets,” she said.

“The green spine project will revitalise the Geelong CBD and create more spaces for people to meet and socialise.”

Mr Villinger said the removal of carparks would continue to impact his business long after the green spine works were completed.

“There are going to be hardly any parks left, so it’s always going to be a struggle for anyone to park along that street,” Mr Villinger said.

“A lot of my customers are elderly, so they have to walk a mile because of the very limited parking.

“I’m completely opposed to it …(but) they don’t care, there’s a bigger picture to it.”

There are several stages to the project which has been divided up into six blocks.

Jointly funded by federal, state and local governments, the project is part of a push to beautify main entry points to the CBD and reduce the number of vehicles coming into the city.

Council revealed at its recent meeting that plans are afoot to develop a new green spine along Gheringhap and Mercer streets.

Originally published as Organic Larder adds its name to Geelong CBD business calling for compensation as two-way traffic is set to return