Business owners fear one of Australia’s most iconic nightlife areas could be ruined forever as ongoing construction projects threaten to force them out of the area.
Several shopfronts along Sydney’s Oxford Street have been destroyed and covered in graffiti, while those still trading struggle to stay afloat.
It’s a far cry from the street’s renowned history as one of the crown jewels of Sydney nightlife and the main location for the annual Mardi Gras parade.
Several business owners along the street have blamed cost-of-living pressures and constant construction projects for reducing foot traffic and sales.
One of those projects includes a massive renovation of three blocks to create the new ‘Oxford & Foley’ precinct which was due to be completed last year.
But pedestrians are still being affected by scaffolding over sidewalks after the construction schedule ran out and the projects are now expected to finish in July.
The other project affecting businesses is a new bike lane being built along Oxford Street after a concerted campaign by Mayor Clover Moore.
Ken Holmes, owner of underwear and swimwear store Aussie Boys, said the business was now trading “between 40 and 45 per cent” below its expected amount.
Several storefronts along Oxford Street in Sydney have been destroyed and covered in graffiti, while those still trading struggle to stay afloat.
Holmes said he now faces closing his store after it was opened more than 40 years ago while flanked by construction sites.
Lockout laws, the Covid pandemic and the cost of living crisis have hit the region and bar owners are also struggling to keep their doors open.
“The problem is that no one comes here because everyone says, ‘don’t go to Oxford Street, there’s nothing there,'” he said. NCA News.
“We’re trying to change that a little bit, but it seems like people have the idea that there’s nothing here and that’s why they don’t come.”
He added that the reduction in foot traffic along the iconic street meant that there are days when the business does not record sales.
Barriers and fencing now cover the front of Aussie Boys for the cycle path, while construction in the Oxford & Foley precinct continues a few doors down.
Investment firm AsheMorgan began the process toward construction of the precinct in 2019 by signing a 99-year lease on the three city-owned properties along with developer Toga Group.
AsheMorgan’s website describes the project as an “outstanding collection of character buildings offering a mix of basement and ground floor retail and upper floors of commercial accommodation, within a renowned urban village.”
Another project in Oxford Street’s famous Taylor Square has led to much-loved bar Cafe Freda’s announcing that it will call in last drinks after Mardi Gras on March 1 (pictured, Mardi Gras in March 2024).
But the lengthy construction time has led award-winning bar and restaurant Big Poppa’s, located at the center of the development, to close its doors.
A statement from the restaurant’s management said the delays compounded the “impact on our business.”
“As you may have noticed, over the last 21 months the block we live in has been undergoing renovations,” the statement reads.
“We hope construction is completed as soon as possible and we can reopen our doors with some new and interesting neighbors.”
A TOGA spokesperson said they have “worked diligently to minimize disruption and communicate regularly with neighbors and tenants, ensuring the final development reflects the community’s passion for this iconic precinct.”
Another project in Oxford Street’s famous Taylor Square has led to much-loved bar Cafe Freda’s announcing that it will call in last drinks after Mardi Gras on March 1.
Co-owner David Abram initially moved the bar from Chippendale in 2020 not knowing “how long we would be in this iconic location.”
The building it is currently in will be remodeled into a $14.6 million boutique hotel.
A City of Sydney spokesperson said it is still encouraging locals to support businesses despite the ongoing transformation.
“The City of Sydney continues to support local businesses with marketing across a variety of online and outdoor channels, encouraging residents and visitors to visit the strip during the improvement works,” the spokesperson told Newswire.
Daily Mail Australia has approached the City of Sydney, TOGA and AsheMorgan for comment.