By JASON TURNER
A SPRINGVALE South shopkeeper and some residents are angry at the disruption and possible safety hazards caused by construction works at the Springvale Plaza shopping complex.
Redevelopment of the dilapidated Heatherton Road complex, which includes a new Aldi supermarket, has been under way since last August. A restaurant owner believes those in charge of the construction have not heeded concerns of neighbouring businesses.
Khe Sanh owner Daniel Sheng said the extensive security fencing gave the impression to customers that the centre was shut.
Mr Sheng — who bought the business last year — described the construction site as “ridiculous”.
He estimated his takings were down almost 90 per cent since the works started. “I’ve been suffering,” Mr Sheng said. “It’s been bad the whole way through [the works]. I’ve been stressed out.”
The main parking area is closed for the redevelopment, forcing customers to walk extra distance from parking spots at the far side of the area.
Mr Sheng said the security fencing had restricted access to his store’s main entrance to barely a couple of metres.
A regular customer to the area, Colin Ruehland, said the fencing had restricted pedestrian access in front of the plaza, making people cross busy Heatherton Road. “You really have to keep your wits about you,” he said.
However, Lawrence Woo, another regular to the area and a doctor at a local practice, said the work should be welcomed and the construction was only a “temporary inconvenience”.
A Four Square Construction Management spokesman said no one had raised any other concerns and it was common for fencing to be moved temporarily to allow for construction access.
Greater Dandenong city planning, design and amenity director Jody Bosman said the council was not aware of any issue and it would inspect the site to ensure regulations were being followed.
The Aldi store is expected to open in the middle of this year.
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