Promenade plan moves businesses

THREE businesses will be relocated as part of the plan to elevate rail and build a promenade in Carrum to separate road from rail at level crossings.

Three buildings will be demolished and two vacant blocks of land acquired off the Nepean Highway by the state government so the $50 million project can proceed next year.

Beach Lane, a creative and artistic space for start-ups at 642 Nepean Highway, will have its century old building torn down alongside neighbouring businesses Face The Art, a cosmetic tattoo and eyeliner business, and Addie’s Hobbies, a model toys business.

Beach Lane founder Georges McKail said the property acquisition is “problematic” but he did find out “about three months ago” that the business, established in 2015, may have to move premises.

“It is what it is. I’ve just got to work out what the process is and what options may exist for Beach Lane.”

The businessman said he will talk to the Level Crossing Removal Authority, Kingston Council and Carrum Labor MP Sonya Kilkenny about Beach Lane’s impending enforced move.

He said he has spoken to Ms Kilkenny and “it is very early days” to decide whether the community space can find a place near the new promenade.

Two vacant blocks of land will also be acquired and proposed apartment blocks will no longer be built at the site.

Buyers who put down deposits on off-the-plan property purchases will be compensated on a market value basis plus costs.

“We know this is a difficult time for the affected owners, tenants and off the plan purchasers. Our team is working closely with all parties to assist them through the acquisition process,” LXRA project director Adam Maguire said.

“Fair and reasonable compensation will be paid for all properties that need to be acquired.”

Markets and cafes may be opened alongside more car parking space at the promenade.

First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 16 August 2017