Neutral Bay small businesses concerned
Hundreds of submissions against a $69 million Coles redevelopment in Neutral Bay have been lodged with North Sydney Council, with most concerned about the impact on nearby small businesses.
A seven-storey building would replace the existing Woolworths on Grosvenor Lane and include 72 apartments above a Coles supermarket and speciality retailers. Public and private basement parking for 350 cars and a plaza would replace the open air car park which is owned by council.
Blue & White Dry Cleaning has been located opposite Woolworths since 1970. There is currently a 90 minute car parking time limit outside Blue & White, which is located near two cafes, a pharmacy and a Bakers Delight.
“Businesses here rely heavily on that car park,” owner Dimitri Janakis told North Shore Living. “Loyalty is one thing, but people will just look elsewhere when it’s inconvenient.”
The construction plan involves leaving a service lane in front of the businesses, which Mr Janakis said was ‘tiny’. “I don’t know how people will be able to drive through, chuck a u-turn and leave. It’s going to be a nightmare.”
Mr Janakis says a better option would be to build the underground parking up to the middle of the existing two rows of parking spaces. “It leaves a row of parking in front of the businesses so they can continue to operate throughout construction,” he said.
Councillor Jilly Gibson said Coles was using ‘bully-boy tactics’. “Coles wants to control Neutral Bay. They want to be the anchor tenant and it’s in their best interests if those small businesses don’t survive.
“Grosvenor Lane small businesses are the heart and soul of our local village. To maintain the village feel of Neutral Bay (we need to) keep a good portion of the (open air) parking.
“If the Coles proposal proceeds, there is no doubt all those shops will close down. There will be riots in Neutral Bay.”
A Coles spokesperson said the development was ‘a multimillion-dollar investment for Neutral Bay’ that would ‘create hundreds of local retail and construction jobs and ultimately boost foot traffic and economic activity’.
“We’re working closely with local businesses to understand their concerns and propose to carefully stage the development to ensure that we maintain access and car parking for local businesses throughout construction,” the spokesperson added.
Council said the application would be determined by the Sydney North Planning Panel next year.