Demolition to hurt business
Some traders selling up
TRADERS neighbouring Belchers Corner fear its demolition will further negatively impact business.
Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher confirmed the council expected to recoup costs incurred through the doomed building’s sale.
One business owner close to Belchers Corner said the demolition would deter customers from the area, as they could fear it was dangerous.
“We have no choice,” the trader said.
Partial road closures and footpath restrictions are expected around the building on the corner of Moorabool and Ryrie streets from next week, while demolition preparation started on Monday.
The trader thought business had been slower since Belchers Corner first closed.
Twenty-four businesses were evicted in mid-2018 after the building was found to have “severe concrete cancer”.
Another shop owner said business had been slower since the evacuation.
Of the six shopfronts closest to Belchers on Ryrie St, three are trading, one is advertising a closing down sale, another is for sale, and one is vacant but being developed.
On Moorabool St, the shopfront next to Belchers is vacant, and a discount store is on the market.
One business owner raised concerns loading docks at Shorts Place could be impacted.
Geelong council director development, design and planning Gareth Smith said permits were in place for trade vehicles to park in the laneway during demolition works.
“Site managers will be liaising directly with Moorabool St business owners to ensure their loading requirements are not impacted,” Mr Smith said.
He said the council would offer businesses measures to minimise any impact on trade.
Cr Asher said she expected council to recoup money spent — almost $2 million — through the sale of the site.
The City of Greater Geelong has spent about $1.2 million managing the building and expects the demolition to cost a further $775,000.
Geelong Chamber of Commerce chief executive Ben Flynn said it was “definitely” a positive Belchers was being torn down.
Mr Flynn said new facilities and a new tenant could drive traffic to the area.
But he encouraged people to continue supporting traders while work was under way.