By Cam Lucadou-Wells
Questions loomed large from Little India traders at an information session on Foster Street’s redevelopment on 17 July.
About 50 attended to find out more on the entire 1.9-hectare precinct being put out to market as a mixed-use area by State Government agency Development Victoria.
Expressions-of-interest will be open for about a month, closing in early August.
At the meeting, Bikaner Sweets owner Harbir Yadav told Star News that during works, he and other traders should be housed together in a temporary Little India precinct close to Foster Street.
“They should definitely keep us together rather than asking us to find separate places.
“Little India has got a unique name, a really strong market presence across Australia.”
He said its uncertain future had deterred investors and customers.
“There’s been a lot of speculation over whether it’s going to be staying there or not, and whether it’s keeping its essence.”
Mr Yadav’s store has worked hard to survive a disastrous disruption to Little India during Revitalising Central Dandenong demolitions and roadworks a decade ago.
He hoped a more “constructive” approach would prevail in the next phase of RCD.
“They could inject some high-density accommodation but it’s important they don’t lose the culture of Little India.
“We have been running the shop since 2006. It would be heartbreaking to take it away after we put in so much hard work.”
Nikita Fashions owner Shameela Singh said she hoped to have a newly designed shop with modern fittings and more customer parking.
She wanted to see a more diverse precinct with extra restaurants, groceries and varied businesses such as Middle Eastern-themed shops.
“We knew this development has been coming. It’s nothing new, and I think the State Government will retain the cultural precinct in a new form.
“I’ve been here 18 years and I’m ready for doing business for another 20.”
Development Victoria representatives said it was too early to answer key questions such as the transition plan for traders and what developers had expressed interest.
It expects the community to be consulted on its design in late 2020, with rebuilding to occur in 2023.
