THE redevelopment of Mandurah Forum has put small businesses and the employment of hundreds at risk, according to retail workers who have been told their jobs may be scrapped in the new year.
It is understood Vicinity Centres, the owners of Mandurah Forum, have told businesses their leases will end in April next year to make way for the redevelopment.
Some stores will move to Halls Head Central, also owned by Vicinity Centres, while others that cannot secure alternative premises will be forced out of business entirely.
Although the redevelopment of the centre is expected to create employment, construction will take between 18 months and two years to complete and many employees would be out of work for the duration.
A retail worker, who asked to remain anonymous, said she was told she would lose her job in March.
“We’ve been told that they’re demolishing everything from the food court to Coles and there’ll be hundreds of people out of work when it happens,” she said.
“They want to build up, so they’re demolishing everything.
“A couple of people are moving to Halls Head, but Vicinity aren’t letting people know what’s happening, they’ve been cancelling meetings with owners.
“We were told last Monday about it.
“Apparently, we can come back but it’ll take 18-months to two years and they’re not guaranteeing anything.
“They’re cutting businesses off mid-lease and owners are upset because there’s been no consultation.
“Everyone will be looking for jobs at the same time, hundreds of retail workers looking for jobs just after Christmas, and there just won’t be any.
“What do you do if you don’t have a job and you just can’t find one because there aren’t any?”
The businesses affected include national retail chains, locally owned franchises and small businesses.
It is understood that some business owners will be seeking compensation, however confidentiality clauses in their leases prevent them speaking out.
A spokesman for Vicinity Centres said the company would continue working with retailers involved in the redevelopment.
“We expect the vast majority will be offered tenancies in the new development. At this stage, final details are not available,” he said.
“The redevelopment of Mandurah Forum has received council approval and there is widespread community support for the development which will provide increased retail choice and services.
“The development will be done in stages as the existing centre is refurbished and extended, so existing tenants will be affected at different times during the redevelopment.
“The redevelopment is expected to create 1000 jobs during construction and 700 new jobs at the centre upon completion with approximately 220 retail stores, a new department store and discount department store joining the existing major retail groups of Big W, Coles, Kmart and Woolworths already at Mandurah Forum.”
The spokesman did not say how many businesses would be affected.
OTHER STORIES