THREE Eighth Street businesses have been forced to close indefinitely after renovation works led to an alert over possible structural issues.
Mocha Mecca, Flight Centre and the proposed Bendigo Bank building, which is being renovated, closed suddenly on Friday afternoon.
A sign on Flight Centre’s window said: “Due to an evacuation request on this premises, we are shut until further notice.”
Mocha Mecca owner Stuart Garsed said he was not sure what was causing the issue under the foundation of the building.
“It was a request from the real estate and landlord that, until they can work out what they are dealing with under the building, as a safety precaution for myself, staff and customers that we don’t re-enter until engineers have inspected the site and given the all-clear,” he said.
“I am hoping this issue doesn’t drag out too long so we are able to get in and resume trade because, as you know, coffee is fierce competition around the CBD and we cannot afford to be closed for too long.
“I am hopeful that there will be compensation for the trouble that is going on because we have still got our staff and suppliers that need to be paid and, when you can’t open, it makes it quite difficult to do so.
“Either way, we are optimistic that the landlord and real estate (agent) are doing all they can do and this will be fixed as soon as possible with compensation organised so we can get back to serving Mildura’s favourite coffees.”
Collie & Tierney Real Estate, which manages the lease on the Bendigo Bank building, could not comment on the store closures on Sunday.
A Mildura Council spokesman confirmed the council did not issue the evacuation notice to the businesses.
Bendigo Bank announced last month it was moving to Eighth Street from its Langtree Avenue address in October.
The new branch will feature a community hub, a dedicated community space that was expected to be accessible later this year.
It is not known whether the alert will delay the new branch’s opening.
