Axing of barriers

CEO’s tram works promise

Concrete barriers along the northern section of the light rail construction zone will come down within a week.

The barriers, which have attracted intense criticism from small business owners, will be gone by April 19, with light rail contractor John Holland Ground replacing them with bollards. The impacted area will be between Wave Street and Lavarack Road.

GoldlinQ CEO Phil Mumford said wet weather had delayed the removal.

“These barriers were in place while pavement works were completed in the precinct and unfortunately wet weather caused delays,” he said. “Following this change and later (in April), a new left turnout for traffic will be operational in Nobby Beach. We acknowledge the frustration of business operators who had been anticipating an end to the northern pavement works before Easter.

Mr Mumford warned further unpredictable weather could push the work back.

“Given wet weather is forecast to continue in coming days it is important to note the schedule for works in Nobby Beach could be impacted further,” he said.

It comes just days after beloved Nobby Beach record shop Rare Groove closed its doors only six months after warning of the pressures created by light rail construction.

The operators of the shop, Ray Parsons and Jenny Chipman, revealed in a social media post that it had quietly ceased trading after more than 30 years.

The announcement did not directly link the closure to the disruption caused by the construction work.

Business owners along the route, including Bine Bar and Dining, Night Jar and Okawari House owner Scott Imlach, have expressed concern about the impact of the construction works.