For almost two decades, Kathleen Swan poured blood, sweat and tears into her Pretty Essentials Boutique.
She invested her life savings – and many of her adult years – getting the store going and giving locals “old-fashioned service”.
What she never expected was for her business at Bakery Square to take a rapid downturn.
She said when Woodgrove Shopping Centre expanded three years ago, her shop took an immediate hit – business went down by 50 per cent, and hasn’t recovered since.
“There’s been a combination of things,” Ms Swan said. “I’ve lost a lot of suppliers because they went out of business, the fact that Woodgrove has grown so much, and the area was closed for a long time [for the Melton town centre redevelopment].”
Ms Swan says she’s been trying to sell her business for a “wee while” now, but there’s been no interest. So with a heavy heart, she decided to close down by the end of the month.
“I’m feeling a bit emotional because we thought we could find somebody to buy the shop fittings at least,” she said.
“It’s sad … people are saying to me it is sad that you’re going, but my husband’s been retired for 18 months, and it’s time for us to do things together.”
The Melton town redevelopment is aimed at revamping the once-vibrant town centre, where Bakery Square is located.
Stage three of this project, which includes works on McKenzie street in front of the Melton library, has started, with works on Bakery Square, which is part of stage four, due to start next year.
Council’s engagement and advocacy manager, Daniel Hogan, said the project would connect the town centre better and encourage people to spend with local businesses.
“The town centre has already developed a strong presence of professional services and businesses,” Mr Hogan said.
“The tree-lined streets and pedestrian-friendly environment should ensure it remains a popular location for businesses, and in particular destination businesses, which don’t necessarily rely on the high foot traffic of a large shopping centre.”
Melton council has established a working group to ensure the Bakery Square area remains vibrant and viable while works are ongoing.
Its next meeting will be on Thursday, March 23, at 7.30pm.
For more information, call Terri Johnston on 9747 7200.
