Traders continue to feel the pinch

Cowes main street businesses continue to report a financial hit from the ongoing Thompson Avenue construction works, with one key hospitality business closing for more than two weeks because the street "is a ghost town".

The hit on trading has been exacerbated by a drop in consumer spending, but traders say the Thompson Avenue upgrade is deterring customers.

Hotel last week posted they would close from June 9 to 25 because the street is a "ghost town, definitely much quieter than we'd normally expect during winter".

"Unfortunately, we've made the difficult decision to close our doors again," owner Dale wrote.

"Despite trying our hardest to stay open and putting on extra daily specials, we're opening to lose and it's more beneficial for us to close.

"We intend to be open for the school holidays, however our opening hours may be reduced and we will be removing some specials."

In contrast, after being shut for several weeks, Kim's Bakery has reopened in the main street, while three businesses have for sale or for lease signs in their windows.

One resident was recently moved to support local businesses, creating a Facebook page Community Tuck Shop, to encourage residents to get behind struggling traders.

On social media, there were comments that one café had closed "for good" because of the works. However customers correctly replied Shearwaters and Bandicoots had been closed well before street remodelling started.

Amy posted a comment that she visited Phillip Island with her mother in late May, agreeing it was a ghost town.

"My mum bought a top in one of the clothes stores and the employee in there was chatting to us about how badly they were struggling and how it'll only get worse now it's winter," Amy wrote.

"I'm not sure the businesses on the main street were considered enough when all of this demolition was thought of."

Response

Bass Coast Shire has for months responded to critics calling for compensation, stating that compensation or rate relief was not available, but that council has held one-on-one meetings with concerned traders.

Last month the shire launched a Trading Through the Transformation campaign, which includes business spotlight posts on social media, promotional banners and business signage on temporary fencing around the construction site, and access directions.

At the May council meeting, Cr Ronnie Bauer commented on the Cowes streetscape project, saying he was "impressed by the support package that has been prepared for the traders".

"Living through a similar situation in Melbourne where my store is seriously impacted by the arcade literally next door being renovated and Little Collins Street being closed regularly, I wish the Melbourne City Council put out similar help," Cr Bauer said.

"The short-term pain being experienced now by the Cowes traders will be well and truly compensated by the advertising and support Bass Cost Shire is providing.
"Thank you officers for listening to their concerns."

The current phase three works are expected to be complete by mid-July.