Behind a high metal fence on Keen Street, a new footpath is being constructed by Lismore City Council workers. 

While it’s good news for town revitalisation, some local business owners are paying the price of having the road and footpath closed to pedestrians and road traffic.

Mandarin Palace owner Samantha Wu said she has seen a big loss in business - and wants people to know that her restaurant is still open – even if the street is closed.

“The fencing is making people unsure if we are open and I haven’t had any foot traffic since the high metal fencing was put up a couple of months ago,” Samantha said.

Trade downturn

“Council told me it will be like this until October and my trade has gone down by 10% in the day time and 50% in the evenings,” she said.

“We already had to close two days last week and we didn’t think we could open this morning, but the footpath was dry enough so we could open.

“The deliverers also have nowhere to park and are doing detours because they can’t drive down the street.

“Closing multiple times means extra expense to us and it all adds up when we are losing business.

“We knew Council would do it but we hoped they would do it before we started trading - but it took them so long to start.”

‘Build Back Better’

A Lismore City Council spokesperson said the footpath progress is taking a longer time to complete because Council is taking the opportunity to ‘Build Back Better’.

“The reason for the lengthy construction time is rather than simply replacing the pavement, Council is upgrading underground infrastructure services, including provisions for future use, such as storm water, new water meters, power and communications conduits,” the spokesperson said.

Communication

Samantha also feels that she wasn’t consulted as to the best times for work to be conducted on the footpath.

“I want them to listen to business that has been affected and ask us – we are not clear on what direction they are going and get no chance to input on what’s the most efficient way to do it.

“Maybe they could do work on weekends, but council says it’s a breach of noise for residents – but I’ve lost business and have had to close for five shifts.”

Cut Loose Hair and Beauty

As work on the footpath moves down Keen Street, business owners, one by one, are preparing to close their businesses.

Amanda Clifford from Cut Loose Hair and Beauty expects to have no access to the front of her shop next week. Losing the foot traffic at the front of the shop is also an issue, as her window displays attract customers.

Amanda’s clients are by appointment and she will invite them to enter via the back door, and hopes that Council appoints security to the back alley as promised, to make the new entrance safer.

Post-flood timing

In a town that’s recovering after months of losing business because of flood, Amanda questions the timing of the footpath upgrade.

“I know it has to be done, but right now, just when we have opened? We have had two years of Covid and five and a half months of flood,” she said.

“It’s taking longer than they expected to do it – and ongoing communication from Council about the timelines is unclear.

“I’ve also asked Council where the compensation is coming from. They said they would put signs up for me, but I haven’t seen them yet."

Scoops and Candy

Felicity Hyde, owner of Scoops and Candy expects to close next week too. She said Council had already informed her about her closure days and it added up to 11.5 days of business lost.

Her concerns echo those of other business owners – in particular the lack of parking for delivery drivers, and customers – and misinformation from Council about the timing of works.

“I also feel that we haven’t been adequately informed as to what is happening and when,” Felicity said.

“Work is supposed to start near our shop next Monday and I’m concerned about how they are going to get here in that time, when the first part of Keen Street took two months.

“How will they rip up concrete in a few days?

“I spoke to Mayor Steve Krieg and he said he’ll speak to the General Manager. I’m hearing lots of promises.”

Council replies

A Council Spokesperson said following the disaster, Council contacted Keen Street businesses via emails and phone calls to find out whether they wanted Council to proceed with the project, given that they were in recovery mode.

“More than 69% said they wanted the works to commence ‘sooner rather than later',” the spokesperson said.

“The works have been staged to minimise disruption to businesses and ensure access is available to shopfronts.

“However, for safety reasons there are some short 'no public access' closures planned.

“We are working with businesses to provide access where possible, including back access via Eggins Lane for those who have it available during these times. 

“To further assist Keen Street businesses, Council has made ‘Open for Business’ signs available to ensure customers and pedestrians are aware the business is operating.

“These signs have been available since Monday, 8 August from the onsite Project Manager.”

Keen Street Revitalisation project information

The footpath upgrade is part of the $1.2 million Keen Street Revitalisation project that will “help beautify the CBD and attract shoppers to businesses”.

The funding for the revitalisation project was secured from the Federal and State governments before the February natural disaster.

The project is expected to be complete by November 2022 (pending weather and unforeseen delays).

The new footpath is made of exposed aggregate concrete and has been chosen for its “construction affordability, as well as the ongoing durability and maintenance benefits”.  

You can find updates on the progress of works on Council’s Your Say Lismore website at https://yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au