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Get Out!- Foster’s to evict Kensington Street tenants

The Foster ’s Group, through the property managers of the Carlton & United Breweries site, has given eviction notices to the four tenants of terraces on Kensington Street in Chippendale reports Samantha Van in the South Sydney Herald of June 2007.

The eviction notice to tenant Thane Browne was dated 10 April 2007. However, he said that he received the notice about a week later. 25 June is the deadline to leave.

Mr Browne lives at 40 Kensington St with partner Robbie Jordan. “We’re not trying to stay here,” he said. “We can’t fight this.”

“Robbie and I have full time jobs, we can move out,” Mr Browne said.

However, to remain in the area for his young daughter would be difficult. “In the

Sydney rental market, there’s nought around.”

“We’re having trouble and we suspect our neighbours are too. We’re looking at going from [paying rent of] $100 a week to $500.”

“Everything Foster’s has done is legal or correct. But I believe the process has been curious.”

Foster’s disagrees. “We publicly announced our intention to close and vacate the former Kent Brewery (CUB) site in 2003,” Troy Hey, Foster’s External Communications Manger told the SSH. After the cancellation of a 2003 conditional sale, Foster’s sought planning approvals for the site. It received concept approval in February 2007.

Foster’s then appointed agents and is looking to agree to a sale mid-year. “We have not added new tenants since 2003 as the 17 terraces in Kensington and Abercrombie Streets were vacated. Four tenants remain in April 2007,” Mr Hey said.

The terraces deemed of heritage significance will be retained but require extensive conservation works, he continued. “The ultimate decision on the future of the site and non-heritage protected buildings will rest in the hands of the new owner and developer.”

Foster’s said the eviction of tenants is to facilitate the best results for site renewal. “While we will do whatever we can do to assist with relocation, the notice date is part of the sale process and cannot be shifted,” Mr Hey concluded.

Mr Browne and Ms Jordan are yet to receive any offer of help.

Source: South Sydney Herald June 2007 www.southsydneyherald.com.au/