Ghost town blues as clients driven away

THE contractor behind a lengthy road closure in central Hobart has moved to clarify access to the area, as angry business owners report a significant drop in trade.

A section of Elizabeth St is closed to allow for sewerage and stormwater upgrades associated with the University of Tasmania’s new accommodation building in Melville St.

The closure between Bathurst and Brisbane streets is due to stay in place until January 14.

While other parts of the CBD were teeming with people on Tuesday, the usually busy area of Midtown was relatively empty.

Paul Solda of Solda’s Music said the closure had turned the Midtown section of Elizabeth St into a ghost town and it was a blow that businesses could ill- afford after a difficult year because of COVID- 19 restrictions.

“My business is down 50 per cent. I was down because of COVID and no tourists and no musicians,” he said.

“This is going to be a tough 10 days.”

Mr Solda said it appeared from extensive road blocks and signs that customers were not allowed to drive in to Elizabeth St from Brisbane Street, so customers simply stayed away. The was despite the roadworks taking place a block down on the corner of Melville St.

He said while staff from the contracting company dropped flyers to local businesses during the busy Christmas period, the extent of the road closure was not sufficiently explained.

Across the road, Island Espresso manager Marina Knezevic said her business was down 30 per cent.

Ms Knezevic said the sign allowing “local traffic” did not make it clear that customers were able to drive through and park in the street.

“I’m not annoyed that the works are happening — there’s never a good time to do that sort of stuff, it’s just

miscommunication,” she said.

“This morning, our trade was down dramatically.”

Hutchinson Builders safety officer Vanessa Hollister said the access to the area was clearly signed.

She said customers of businesses in the impacted area were allowed to drive through the roadblock and park in the street.

They could then do a Uturn to exit.

“We allow for local access still and for deliveries, and we have signs that say that,” she said.

“Worst- case scenario, we will finish on the 13th.”

MY BUSINESS IS DOWN 50 PER CENT ... THIS IS GOING TO BE A TOUGH 10 DAYS” ELIZABETH ST BUSINESSMAN PAUL SOLDA