Slowdown confounds Gateway traders

by Terri Russell

May 2, 2008

TRADERS at Cockburn Gateway Shopping Centre are feeling the economic pinch.

Bras and Things manager Stacey Richards says the centre is too isolated.

“I have to catch three buses and two trains just to get here for work,” Ms Richards says. “There is no direct transport straight from the eastern suburbs.”

Bill Turner, owner of Croissant Express, agrees Cockburn Gateway is too remote to attract sufficient business. He says it will take at least another two years before there is any improvement.

“Cockburn is a young area,” he says. “We need more infrastructure around the area, as well as a more diverse range of shops to attract more people.”

The recent introduction of the Perth to Mandurah railway has raised hope, but business owners say it’s had no real impact.

“The train hasn’t made one ounce of business,” Mr Turner says. “It has just allowed people to bypass the shopping centre altogether and go into the city.”

Boost Juice owner Jamie Della says his shop is feeling the impact. He blames a lack of larger shops in the centre.

“Business has slowed down a lot,” he says. “We don’t have anything to offer, no Myers and no cinema.

“People would rather go to Booragoon.”

Mr Della says it’s just a matter of time before business improves, but he worries just how long that will take.

Despite concerns among traders, Gateway manager Chris Allen says it is one of the best performing centres in Perth and the business slowdown is normal for this time of year.

He says that last October through to this January was really good for business, so any slowdown is going to be noticeable.

“We are suffering from a hangover from a really good party,” Mr Allen explains.

Mr Allen says door counts are increasing and there are still two more stages of the centre to be built, including an extension to link up with the nearby Beeliar Drive complex.

Cockburn mayor Stephen Lee says Gateway has been great for his city, and it will continue to grow to satisfy the needs of shoppers.