A RETAIL and services development in the northern end of Mount Eliza is a clear sign that economic buoyancy is returning, despite residual staffing difficulties.
Eight new retail and service businesses – including Manyung Gallery – have taken up residence in the development at 54 Mount Eliza Way, with negotiations underway for the ninth and final business to move in.
One of the spokespeople for the three families connected with the development, businesswomen and former Frankston councillor Chris Richards, said Mount Eliza had largely avoided the COVID-related downturn of some areas and was ready for new businesses.
“We absolutely have confidence in Mount Eliza, we have a population of just under 20,000 people, and many are working professionals on high salaries,” she said.
“When people want to spend, they want quality. We had a certificate of occupancy by January and by February we had eight shops taken.
“My view is that Mount Eliza is undercooked at the moment, it’s just waiting for good businesses to come in.”
The nine businesses downstairs are complemented by a small number of high-end apartments with water views upstairs, which sold within three weeks of coming on to the market.
Mount Eliza Chamber of Commerce spokesperson Alison Doherty said while there were some businesses that suffered during the height of COVID, largely through lack of staff, confidence was still strong, and growing.
In 2017, the shire’s predictions for Mount Eliza had residential development increasing by an average of 40 dwellings a year to 7717 in 2036.
That number is now expected to be much higher, as the escape from the city continues.