Popular Tattslotto store becomes latest victim at failing Market Square precinct

Market Square is losing yet another store, as frustration with the centre’s management builds.

Another business is leaving Market Square shopping centre. Picture: Mark Wilson

The Tattslotto shop in Market Square is leaving the ailing complex, with the store’s owner branding rent “too expensive”.

The store is scheduled to officially pack up shop later this month and is the latest in a string of business casualties at the failing complex.

Boost Juice, Gloria Jeans, Lincraft, EB Games and Cotton On have all jumped ship in recent years.

Greg Keating, owner of the Tattslotto shop, said “nothing’s going to change” at the tired shopping centre.

“It’s too expensive to stay,” Mr Keating said.

The Market Square precinct has hosted the Tattslotto store for about 16 years.

Market Square Lotto owner Greg Keating is set to leave the shopping centre later this month. He’s picture after selling a winning ticket. Picture: Alison Wynd

Shop owners around the complex noted they were “sad” to see the Tattslotto owner leave, noting how difficult business had been after recent closures.

Singaporean-based owners, Davinski Nominees, and global real estate consultancy agency Knight Frank Pty Ltd, which runs the centre, have caught the ire of many shop owners struggling to do business in the centre.

Shop fronts are baron and the food court is often empty on the first floor. Picture: Mark Wilson

One store owner, who wished not to be identified, said management was uncommunicative and dismissive.

The owner said his latest rent increase of 3.6 per cent was “unjustified” because management was unwilling to share data on the level of foot traffic coming through the centre.

“If (Market Square) released the numbers of how many people go through the centre and compare them to years gone by, you will see a massive discrepancy,” he said.

It is estimated foot traffic might have fallen as much as 60 per cent over the past five years.

“The problem is a lack of communication and they don’t tell us what’s happening,” he said.

The store owner said when he reached out to ask about any future plans for the centre, the response they got was “we don’t have anything we need to tell you”.

Plans for the revival of the Market Square precinct, through a masterplan endorsed late last year, have been fraught with challenges.

Communication between the City of Greater Geelong and the Singaporean-based company that privately owns the complex is being conducted through intermediaries overseas.

Market Square Shopping Centre management and Knight Frank were contacted for comment.

Originally published as Popular Tattslotto store becomes latest victim at failing Market Square precinct