Footpath construction on Burns Bay Rd will replace the current old brick lining the sidewalk with granite pavers. Unfortunately, the work has come at an inconvenient time for local store owners, and now they need your help.
The work started in early October and was expected to be completed by December. This timeline has been pushed back to 2025 due to a delay in the pavement deliveries.
Since work commenced, construction has temporarily closed off key footpaths and crossings within the area’s commercial district, diverting foot traffic away from stores. Karen, one of the owners of the bookstore Burns Bay Bookery, claimed the detours had caused them a 30 per cent reduction in sales compared to the same time last year.
“We’re in a situation where the whole pavement is about to be replaced. It’s coming up in December, and we’re concerned that Lane Cove people won’t be bothered to deal with it and won’t come down to this end of town,” Karen told ITC outside the store.
“The pavement was closed for two days this week. We have a loyal customer base, but we rely on, like most retailers, passing trade to come in to have a look and to see what we are and who we are.
“We just want to remind people that we’re here and to, you know, come and see us,” Beatle added, who also runs the Bookery.
With the construction’s completion up in the air, the businesses affected want to remind customers they are still operating and are relying on the community to visit the stores during the busy Christmas season.
Nick, the owner of NiBu Cafe says he has also noticed a drastic reduction in business due to loud construction noise and obstructed pedestrian crossings.
“Firstly, let’s just say that we understand that these works need to get done,” he said, taking the time for a brief interview between services.
“People won’t trip and fall over, which we see regularly. But the biggest impact for us is that we have noticed a big loss of trade. You know, whether the pedestrian crossings were blocked, the noise from the drilling, the footpath actually being closed yesterday, pretty much for most of the day.
“I guess my question, I could pose to Council, would be, could this have been done in the evening? This is a commercial zone, so it doesn’t really impact on residents so much, and I think that they probably could have been quicker on the work getting done, and probably more efficient and fewer interruptions.”
The construction was originally supposed to begin in July through the less busy Winter months. However, Lane Cove Council said a range of factors including contractor availability, supplier and product availability have resulted in the works being undertaken on the current schedule.
Council also said they amended the initial order of staged works following feedback from businesses. The project has been divided into 8 stages with each stage representing a different location point.
Stages 1 – 3 were set to be completed in December, but due to scheduling delays with the granite pavements, the works will not continue until the pavers are delivered in the New Year. The works on section 8, north side of Burns Bay Road, will continue in the interim with the rest of the project set to finish up in early 2025.
To cater for the noisy disruptions, Vietnamese Restaurant Le Tran has taken matters into their own hands by extending its business opening hours.
“The noise affected us and it kind of blocked off our restaurant for quite a bit, for like, I’d say, about a week or so, it kind of blocked off our view—most customers like walking past and not noticing us as much,” owner of the business Havy said.
“We still hope that everyone comes past… the construction site, with all the noises and everything, I know it annoys some people, but that’s why we’re opening a bit later, up until 10 pm now for people to come through a bit later.”
Lane Cove Council told ITC to minimise effects on business the base path surface for sections 1 – 3 will remain in place while they wait for the pavers to be delivered and any fencing or materials which can be removed from the site, will be.
For now, businesses have a simple message to locals who are looking to shop during the holidays – we’re still here and open for business.
“We’ve still got all the good stuff that we’ve always had for Christmas. We understand that it’s not very pleasant down here at the moment. There’s a bit of noise and there’s a bit of dust,” Karen said.
“Fight your way through the building work, and come and see us all,” Beatle interjected.
“We’re still here. I’ve been here for 30 years. Don’t forget about us. We would love to see people coming in, having a coffee, having something to eat and having a bit of a chat,” Nick concluded.
In the Cove – Easy Access to All Our Articles
In the Cove, WhatsApp
