Rocky road for Rocks retailers

Retailers in The Rocks claim their concerns are being ignored by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA) as it begins to ‘activate’ newly widened footpaths along George Street.

The idea is to create more al fresco food and dining in the tourist-oriented strip but the plan is running into problems.

On of the first new ‘trading-out’ areas approved by SHFA covers two frontages and now obscures the Sydney Cove Chemist and its signage. This is hurting his business, says pharmacist Fabian Marsden, worsening a downward trend which has followed declining tourist numbers since 2000.

“The plan is good in theory, but it doesn’t suit a lot of places,” said Mr Marsden. “Some don’t want to provide the necessary table service, and it means they have to charge people before they are served. Other places just don’t have wide-enough frontages for it to work.”

During consultation, a set of principles endorsed by 45 businesses and discussed with SHFA had stated: “Any potential trading-out should not cause…visual obstructions to shop fronts and doorways by standing clientele, serving staff, umbrellas, weather protection, heaters, canvas advertising dividers etc.”

However umbrellas in the eat-out area outside Mr Marsden’s pharmacy clearly obstruct his awning signage.

“There should be compensation for affected businesses, for example replacement signage installed higher up on the building,” he said.

A spokesperson for SHFA said: “A priority was that all outdoor seating be located away from surrounding business windows and entrances to give pedestrians easy access.

“The Authority is currently exploring ways to further improve visibility of shopfront signage from both the road and the footpath.”

Michael Lacey, president of The Rocks Chamber of Commerce, said the group was working on several projects to enhance retail in The Rocks.

“Since Westpac moved out we’re talking to Bendigo Bank about setting up a branch here, and we want to have small-scale, more intimate events rather than big ones which overwhelm the area,” he said.

The Chamber had organised a bushfire appeal which raised $12,000 with cafés donating their tips and businesses donating goods.