Lygon St facing ‘transitional’ period as high rents leave shops empty

ONCE one of Melbourne’s premier dining strips, several shopfronts now lay idle and covered in graffiti. So what’s going wrong on Lygon St?

One of the stores laying idle on the once thriving Lygon St. Picture: David Crosling

SKY-high rents are being blamed for a slice of Little Italy in Melbourne losing its sparkle.

A number of shops have been lying empty for months in once thriving Lygon St, one of the city’s premier dining strips.

The Herald Sun counted seven graffitied, empty shops between Grattan and Elgin streets, with many traders saying they cannot recall the street having so many vacancies.

Some traders say they are being charged up to $3000 a week in rent.

High parking charges and the lack of activities in Carlton were other reasons mentioned for the downturn in traders.

One of the stores laying idle on the once thriving Lygon St. Picture: David Crosling

Among the empty businesses is Borsari’s Ristorante on Borsari’s Corner, but a new tenant is planning to move in soon.

The ANZ Bank is also planning to relocate to Borsari’s Corner in September, the Herald Sun has learned.

Picturesque Borsari’s Corner is now vacant.

Carlton Business Association Precinct Inc president and Lygon St restaurateur Gino Francese said he met with the City of Melbourne this week to discuss ways to revitalise the ­famous shopping strip.

“Lygon St is the greatest street in the world,” Mr Francese declared.

“We just need to promote it more.”

Fernando Longo, from Seasons Provedore, said a well-run business with a good reputation would always do well.

“I think the council needs to do some work attracting more people here. They do a lot of events around Melbourne but not much in Lygon St,” Mr Longo said.

“Lygon St has over 90 restaurants and cafes on this one strip, it’s probably the biggest strip in the whole of Australia. Lygon St is all about the food.”

Marco Riggio, from Grinders Coffee, said Lygon St was the quietest he had known in 10 years of business.

“I think landlords have to change their perspective on how businesses operate because when it’s quiet, it’s quiet and you really struggle,” he said.

Damien Shiel, from Kelly & Shiel estate agents, admitted the street was going through a “transitional period”.

“The good news is many businesses are choosing to relocate within Lygon St as new premises become available, rather than leave the area.”

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said he had heard “rumblings” Lygon St had become a bit quiet.

Projects which would hopefully draw people to the area included the redesign of Lincoln Square and the transformation of University Square.

@AndyJeffo