Vacant property a worry

STOCKLAND’S buy-up of properties adjacent to its Aitkenvale shopping centre has created an unforeseen problem.

The purchase of the neighbouring properties started several years ago and since then tenants have slowly moved out and not been replaced.

Stockland wants to be able to develop the site — earmarked for expansion of the existing shopping centre with more retail and entertainment facilities — as soon as it feels the time is right without having to wait for buildings to become unoccupied.

The time frame for that proposed development is not being made public by Stockland.

What is known is that the vacant buildings, stretching for two blocks fronting Ross River Rd to the east of the shopping centre, have become a dead zone.

It has seen itinerants move in during the day and youths hanging around the area at night.

Apart from the empty buildings being an eyesore and looking increasingly run down, they are also creating law and order problems.

It is causing major concerns for nearby businesses and residents who are becoming increasingly affected by people loitering in the area with some even fearing for their safety.

There have been suggestions that the area could be used to create a youth facility to stop troublemaking kids from roaming the streets by encouraging them to congregate in one designated area.

It is understood police have concerns with this proposal as it might increase the problem by making the area even more attractive for those who are causing problems.

The solution would be for the area to be brought back to life with construction of the new development or, if that is a long-term option, the opening up of the buildings to new tenants.

If Stockland has no short-term plans to develop the area then the latter option might be the best way to solve an increasing problem.