New start for Murrumbeena shopping strip

Over the past year as reported in a previous posting the Neerim rd shopping strip in Murrumbeena has sufferred a serious decline in patronage and vitality - This has been primarily because of the vitually non-operating state of the local IGA supermarket due to an ongoing lease dispute.

All business in the area has been affected severely as a walk through on any previously busy afternoon will confirm- Like banks or post-offices,local supermarkets are important features of any shopping strip - Having attended several traders association meetings the concerns were very real at this ongoing issue.

Pleased to confirm that there will be a re-opening of the store with new lease-holders on Monday July 11th and with a few celebrations. Hopefully this will be the start of the revitalisation of the shopping strip

local shopping strip - Murrumbeena

The current somewhat perilous state of the Neerim rd Murrumbeena shopping strip continues. As local shoppers understand full well over the past six months there has been a rolling saga of leasing problems with the IGA supermarket (next to Bendigo Bank) closing and re-opening on reduced hours with vitually no stock on the shelves - can imagine what it was like in the post-war rations times! The IGA supermarket like the bank or postoffice is an integral part of the shopping strip which attracts custom for all the other shops. Near the station it is perfectly positioned to capture the growing needs of the local community. The net result of this situation is that the shopping strip has become very quiet with many locals opting to go to Carnegie and business down everywhere- The local traders association is certainly anxious that this situation be resolved as soon as possible. As I understand there is likely to be a new lease agreement finalised soon - which will enable the shop to reopen at full capacity and hopefully over time help restore the strip to its former busy self-the sooner the better i would think!

Neerim Rd Murrumbeena carpark returned to the Community!

In a previous posting I outlined the on-going problems in the Neerim Rd strip shopping centre caused by the loss of the short term carpark opp Bendigo Bank.

In the mid sixties traders had banded together and raised several thousand pounds to secure the site and for the next 40+ years the carpark was leased to council on a peppercorn lease basis (approx $100 pa)

Several years ago Victrack requested this change to a commercial lease which council didn't agree to.

Residents, traders and shoppers particularly the elderly, have suffered because of this change and it was certainly having a detrimental impact on the area.

Last week I am very happy to report that after lobbying by council ,Victrack has agreed to return the carpark to the previous conditions.

A great result and many thanks to the staff involved, councillors for their support, and for the Mayor Helen Whiteside visiting the area last mth to listen to concerns on this issue.

LOCAL ISSUE - Neerim Rd Carpark M/Beena

There are many local issues in our community that can have significant impact on residents and business's alike.

For over 40 years the small carpark (13 spaces) next to the toliets at the cnr of Neerim and M/beena rds has been used by shoppers as a short term carpark-
Although small it was an important asset for shoppers(many elderly) and traders alike in an increasingly vibrant area.

Until 2007 Glen Eira Council had an ongoing lease with Victrack(the owners) for a nominal rate. In 2007 a new lease at commercial rates was offered. Council disagreed
with this change and unfortunately the lease lapsed and the site has now reverted to an all day comuter carpark. This change has become fully effective in the last 6 mths with 2hr signs removed and is hurting small business's in the area.

I have requested that Council seek to re-enter into negotiations with VicTrack for a new lease(commercial or otherwise) that would return it to short-term parking.
Officers have raised this at a meeting last week and are awaiting a formal reply.