Mark McGowan and Rita Saffioti walked Matagarup Bridge with workers to test user experience and comfort. Photo: supplied
Camera IconMark McGowan and Rita Saffioti walked Matagarup Bridge with workers to test user experience and comfort. Photo: supplied Credit: Supplied/Supplied

East Perth business owners have mixed reactions to Matagarup Bridge opening

Julian WrightEastern Reporter

REACTIONS to the Matagarup Bridge finally opening are mixed among Royal Street business owners.

After several setbacks and delays, the footbridge is set to be opened to the public by July 15.

One business owner is confident the bridge will bring more foot traffic to the struggling East Perth area, but another is not so sure it will be the suburb’s saviour.

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Kinky Lizard manager AJ French said changes have already been made to the menu in preparation.

“We are expecting a gradual increase in numbers,” she said.

“We changed the menu not long ago to get ready for the bridge opening and we will have new specials too.

“We are looking at opening later because some of the games will be later.”

Toast owner Ursula Rose said she was hesitant to change the menu for the footy crowds before the bridge opened.

“The area has struggled a bit and I don’t think the bridge will have as massive an impact as some people think,” she said.

“It would be fantastic if the bridge fixed the problem.

“We prefer to wait and see before we make changes for a small group of people during a small period of time.”