Redfern and Regent Streets open for business

Since that time footpaths have been improved and power lines buried. There is new street furniture, paving, lighting and trees, and the work on Redfern Park is well under way. As

Ms Moore said, “Redfern will be restored to a beautiful and historic inner-city village.”

However, with every renewal of this nature, there is a downside. At a time when independent, local business owners are struggling to survive against the might of the multinationals and shopping centres that resemble miniature cities, the inevitable interruption to trade that results from upgrades can be the last straw.

Marie Moraindinis, who owns Labels on Sale in Redfern Street, says the road works development of the area is a “fiasco.”

She complains that Council is unsympathetic to local business owners and that, “It’s all about raising property values, not helping the businesses.” She has been told to “hold on” until September, six months later than the date in March she was previously given.

Her neighbour, Ely Crouch, who operates a pattern-making service called Heart Fashions has similar concerns. She and her customers – when she has any – have had to endure jackhammers outside the shop door for over a month; she has often had to keep the door closed during trading hours because of the noise and dust.

“The City,” she says, “is promoting Redfern-Waterloo as the next big thing.” In the meantime she is battling to make ends meet and her dream of turning her fashion label, Akraada, into a thriving business on Redfern Street is receding into the distance.

For some business owners, however, Council’s commitment to re-vitalising Redfern is beginning to pay off.

Dr Mualla Akinci who has recently moved into her own newer, bigger pharmacy says, “It really is wonderful what is happening to Redfern. I’ve been here for 18 years and Redfern Street is starting to look really beautiful.” The owner of Markson Sparks, Max Markson, is equally impressed. Mr Markson has moved his publicity, celebrity management and events agency into the Clock Tower at the heritage Post Office building. “Russell Crowe is investing in Redfern. Channel 7 is moving here. I love being in Redfern. It’s tremendous now but it will grow and grow,” he said.

Labor Party Councillor, Tony Pooley, agrees there have been problems. “I think Council was slow in responding to requests for signage advising that the street was still open for business and directing shoppers to the Car Park but these have now been delivered,” he said. Councillor Pooley believes the work on the area has been a long time coming – since 1995 in fact, when the upgrade was first talked about. “All street upgrades result in some inconvenience,” he said, “but I’m not sure there is an alternative.” The Councillor understands the latest estimate for completion is May.

Lord Mayor Moore says the $20 million upgrade of the streetscape on Redfern Street is nearing completion but some of the business owners are growing weary. Who will compensate them for the loss of revenue, they ask, and what kind of opening will take place later in the year if many businesses have been forced to close?

Source: South Sydney Herald April 2007 – www.southsydneyherald.com.au