UPDATE: A wave of closures is hitting Rathdowne Village, a beloved shopping strip in Carlton North, as rising costs and decreasing foot traffic force local businesses to shut their doors. Just last month, Connor Cunliffe, owner of Fledgling Café, announced his decision to close after six years in the area, citing escalating expenses and burnout.
The situation is increasingly dire, with iconic establishments like La Porchetta, which served pizza for nearly 40 years, closing its doors in early 2024. Local residents are expressing concern as empty storefronts become a common sight in what was once a bustling hub. “Our end of the street, with La Porchetta closing, just lost a bit of its buzz. You’d have people walking down the street. It’s a little bit different now,” Cunliffe stated.
The northern end of Rathdowne Village is particularly affected, with heritage facades showing signs of neglect and accumulating graffiti. The loss of foot traffic is palpable, and locals fear that the charm of the village, known for its lush green spaces and vibrant community atmosphere, is fading.
In a worrying trend, neighboring Gerald’s Bar is also planning to relocate to the former Rising Sun Hotel building on Lygon Street once their lease ends. Similarly, popular bistro La Luna was put on the market last year and remains vacant after the property was sold earlier this year. Another commercial site across from La Luna is currently up for lease.
Residents and business owners alike are grappling with the implications of these closures. “It feels like a country town, but you’re five or ten minutes from the city. It’s how you would imagine it would have been 50 years ago,” Cunliffe reflected, emphasizing the unique character of Rathdowne Village.
As the community rallies to support remaining businesses, the question looms: what will happen next for this cherished shopping strip? Will new entrepreneurs step in to revitalize the area, or will the trend of closures continue?
Stay tuned for updates on the future of Rathdowne Village and the ongoing impact on the community.
