Cade Lucas
This story was originally published in November 2024 and Star Weekly has chosen to share it again for readers to enjoy.
Tenants at a Yarraville co-working space are growing frustrated with ongoing construction works for the West Gate Tunnel Project.
Kindred Studios is situated on the corner of Harris and Whitehall streets in Yarraville, directly across the road from where construction works on the tunnel project have been taking place for more than two years.
A bandroom, cafe, dance and drumming teachers and digital services providers are among the tenants at the studios and Star Weekly is aware of at least two who are seeking compensation from the West Gate Tunnel Project for lost earnings and a number of others who are upset with continued delays and a lack of communication.
Among them is Marmoset Digital owner Phillip Dean who is fed up with having a construction site just metres from where he works.
“It can be extremely noisy as our office faces Hyde Street, so if they’re doing concreting works like grinding, it can be hard to concentrate,” Mr Dean said.
“It’s been on and off for about two and a half years. I think everyone thought it would be well completed by now.”
Running a digital business, Mr Dean is able to meet with many of his clients online, but said face-to-face meetings were problematic.
“When we’re trying to meet with them (clients) at our offices, it always ends up in some kind of drama, like someone loosing their way or having to lug their computer gear for 100 meters because they realise they can’t park.”
Mr Dean said while he supported the tunnel project, communication between authorities and tenants had left a lot to be desired.
“A more unified single point of contact would’ve made a huge difference.”
A West Gate Tunnel Project spokesperson said they had worked with local businesses to minimise disruption as much as possible and would continue to do so.
“West Gate Tunnel construction in the area is expected to be finished over the next two months and we will continue to provide assistance to Kindred Studios and their tenants,” the spokesperson said, adding that Maribyrnong council was also undertaking works in the area.
Maribyrnong council chief executive Celia Haddock confirmed road upgrades were taking place on nearby Cowper Street.
“We’ve been working closely with all stakeholders including Kindred Studios to support visitors to continue to easily access their premises, including providing additional parking where possible,” Ms Haddock said.
