Small businesses are closing down and struggling in the heart of old West End. Mayoral candidate Jonathan Sriranganathan has identified one of the reasons as being increased rent. However big business monopolies are the main reason why small businesses are not viable. The former councillor for the Gabba correctly came out against West Village. The shopping complex under West Village with Harris Farm, new restaurants, delicatessens and cafes have replaced Jackpot Noodle, delis and shops in the older part of West End.
Apartments full of middle-class people have created a different market for the capitalists to exploit. West End was once the home of working class people; now it is the home of the middle class. The landlords in those days were Greeks who looked after the tenants now you have finance capitalists owning the buildings thrown up by developers with the approval of City Hall.
Big business vs small business
Ian Curr
14 March 2024