Mentone businesses continue to welcome shoppers, during works

10 January 2019

Despite works underway at Mentone to pave the way for a new community piazza, the buzzing shopping strip remains open for business during this time.

Kingston Mayor Cr Georgina Oxley said that shoppers are encouraged to continue to support local businesses while works are underway. “Please continue to pop in to shop or enjoy a meal while works are underway,” said Cr Oxley.

There are currently changed traffic conditions in Mentone due to construction works on the new public piazza and improved streetscape works in Mentone Parade. Construction works commenced in November 2018.  Works on the piazza and Mentone Parade Streetscape are expected to be complete in mid-2019. “From this week, footpath and road closures apply on Mentone Parade between Florence Street and Como Parade West,” said Cr Oxley.

Construction in Mentone has been timed in stages, to have the least impact possible on local businesses. “Council officers have been working with businesses to find solutions to short term interruptions, such as supporting a temporary relocation of kerbside trading for Le Roi Café,” said Cr Oxley.

Café owner Michael Mosleh said that customers can expect the same service from the business during the works. “We are continuing to open seven days a week from 6am to 6pm and kerbside trading is still available. Anybody who wants to come in for a coffee, juice, breakfast, lunch and for meetings is always welcome,” said Mr Mosleh.

Mentone Parade is being redesigned to create a wider footpath with more opportunity for seating. During the works there is ample parking available behind the shops, which can be accessed by Balcombe Road, Florence Street and Brindisi Street in Mentone. There are a number of shops which offer rear access to car parking, including Scicluna’s, the newsagency and Gift Parade.

Owner of Scicluna’s, Chris Scicluna, said that traders are fortunate that there are many parking options available in Mentone. “Nothing much has really changed, in fact when they removed the building directly behind us it improved my business’s visibility and visitation,” said Mr Scicluna.

“I’ve been involved with discussions about a facelift for Mentone for five years as my father was before me. I think that people are looking forward to things happening. They love to see change and new things developing.”

“The building of the piazza has been a long-anticipated project for residents and local traders and we appreciate your ongoing patience,” said Cr Oxley.

Construction of a new privately-owned restaurant at the historic triangle site is expected to be completed in 2019. For more information on the Mentone Renaissance, please sign up for regular updates via kingston.vic.gov.au/mentone

Public Transport Victoria (PTV) has advised Council that north-bound bus routes 903 and 825 are being diverted via Florence and Davies Streets to a new temporary bus stop in front of the businesses at 132-142 Balcombe Road. This temporary bus stop will be in place until end-March 2019. South-bound routes and stops remain unchanged. To find out more or stay up to date, visit ptv.vic.gov.au