Melville Plaza, part of the Hawaiian Group, is currently under redevelopment
The $4 million refurbishment of Melville Plaza – which includes a vegetable patch and play equipment – is causing headaches for shopkeepers and customers, but they are vowing to be patient.
The 45-year-old complex on Canning Highway is getting a new lease of life including a refurbished Coles supermarket, revamped shop fronts and entry points, new flooring and air-conditioning as well as a new external communal area including a vegetable patch.
Small business owners say daily disruptions include noise, telecommunication issues and temporary relocation, with construction causing issues for day-to-day services.
Lee Moore, owner of Helloworld Melville, who says the centre was in need of a renovation, is currently having her shop front refurbished and has been temporarily relocated to what will be the information desk in the future.
“We’ve had a fair bit of trouble with our telephone systems, so it’s hard to know whether we have lost some business or not, but people have not been able to necessarily get through to us.” Ms. Moore said.
“Certainly it has been an issue (the noise), because one side of our office was having work done to it, and also the back of our office. However, as much as possible, they’ve tried to do things in the nighttime.”
Ms. Moore says that the implementation of a communal area over existing parking space, while cutting down parking bays by 17, will be well worth the disruption.
Robert Sopp, owner of Prestige Multi Services, says the ageing car park needed to be addressed.
“Obviously people are complaining of the lack of parking, but I think with the (new) park it may encourage more people to come here. But we do need more parking areas,” he said.
It is understood the renovations – due for completion before Christmas – are about a month behind.
Melville City Council could not be reached for comment.