Charlotte Varcoe
THREE out of six shops at Grantville Court are now for lease following tenants deciding to relocate to larger premises closer to the city centre but one of the remaining businesses is staying optimistic.
Brandon Pitts of Grantville Butchers said the movements in stores at the complex did not worry him.
“We are not worried about any change in foot traffic here at Grantville because our butcher has been here since the 1950’s so we already have a very strong client base who come out of their way to see us anyway,” Mr Pitts said.
He said the butcher business would stay put with the only reason for moving would be if rent “goes through the roof”.
“Since we have been here we have found that a lot of the shops don’t stay empty for long anyway, there is always a pretty healthy turnover of shops here,” Mr Pitts said.
“Really I think it is just the fish and chip shop and us that has remained stable for the longest amount of time, but if we can get some consistent shops as well that would help.”
He said a major perk of having their store at the Grantville Court complex was cheap rent and the shops being perfect size for brand new businesses starting out.
“We are still really happy with how it is here at the complex and we think it is great to see a lot of the smaller businesses along here moving more into the main street and expanding and we just hope there continues to be a good turnover,” Mr Pitts said.
Chamber of Commerce president Hayley Neumann also commented on the turnover of businesses within Grantville Court, stating it was fantastic businesses had the opportunity to expand.
“It is great to see businesses looking to grow and expand and explore options around the city,” Ms Neumann said.
“Hopefully the smaller premises encourage other businesses to jump in and start their journey and it is also great to see there is some movement in the main street after having a lot of empty premises along the western-side of Commercial Street.
“This also adds to our vibrant inner city and encourages small businesses to take up the smaller premises in Grantville and generally around town.”
Ms Neumann said she was also encouraging other small businesses to take up the opportunity of renting out store fronts at the Grantville Court complex to give their businesses the best head start possible.
