Curtin shop owners assure residents we are still open

Following recent closures of a number of businesses in Curtin, some media reports have led to confusion in the Canberra community about the future of all shops in the Curtin shopping precinct.

According to a number of Curtin shop owners, this has become a serious cause for concern, as they are frequently asked when they will be closing and what will be put in place of the Curtin shops.

To set the record straight, The RiotACT spoke with Curtin Community Bank branch of Bendigo Bank. Branch manager, Chloe Heath, says staff field daily questions on the future of the shopping centre, and she is worried for the longevity of remaining businesses in the area.

“There’s a lot of misinformation going around, and we want to assure the public that yes we are still open, and yes we still need your support! Five businesses were closed in one particular building, of which the future remains uncertain. However, there are still 20 other businesses in the Curtin shopping precinct that are not going anywhere (full list below).

“Some businesses that were closed, such as Choku Bai Jo have now relocated and re-opened. Regardless of what’s happening in the community, we want everyone to know that we are still here for you, and will continue to serve you as we always have.”

Owner of Ivy Flowers & Gifts, Renee, says she fields daily calls from customers concerned that she is closing. “We are not closing!” she says. “There are still many businesses open for trade, and we all need the support of our local community.”

The shops that have closed (and may return depending on the outcome of the redevelopment) include:

• Curtin Milk Bar
• Curtin Seafood Shop
• Urban Cellars (can now be found at Kingston Foreshore and may return to Curtin)
• Beyond Q bookshop (relocated to Weston)
• The Hungry Buddha (relocated to Farrer Shops, with a second location in Belconnen)

The businesses that are still open include:

1. Bendigo Bank
2. Club Lime
3. Curtin Optical
4. Ivy Flowers
5. Deli Café
6. Bakery
7. Curtin Barber
8. Nunie and Yu Ladies Fashion Boutique
9. Benson’s Hairdresser
10. Curtin Dental
11. Curtin Medical Practice
12. Curtin Physio
13. Programmed Recruitment
14. Downtown Duty Free (Diplomatic)
15. Choku Bai Jo
16. Peter Blackshaw Real Estate
17. Red Brick Café
18. Curtin Vet
19. Curtin Post Office
20. Capital Chemist
21. Coles Supermarket

To support the local Curtin businesses, please head down to the Curtin shops at Curtin Place, Curtin.