Relief as highway works end

Since the works started at the end of June 2011, Southern Gazette has spoken to several businesses who said the upgrades affected them badly.

In October, Muzz Buzz’s executive chairman Warren Reynolds said the Belmont business suffered a 60 per cent drop in sales revenue and was forced to lay off six staff.

In January, the driveway to Man Liquor was closed for six weeks and there was no other way of getting into the premises, part owner Nick Trolio said.

Brendan Craig, general manager of Assured Ascot Quays Apartment Hotel said the main challenge for the hotel was access.

‘We experienced a decline in restaurant and function patrons. Our wedding market was also affected, as people were naturally hesitant to hold large functions here whilst the works were taking place,’ he said.

‘We took preventative measures such as double-glazing of the apartment windows that were affected by the noise of the road work machinery.’

However, with a strong local following, Mr Craig said they decided to be ‘patient’ and focused on relaunching their new look upon completion of the works.

‘Fortunately the Great Eastern Highway upgrade is now complete and we are now looking forward to welcoming back our loyal client base to a fresh face and also entice new patrons to experience us for the first time,’ he said.

Assured Ascot Quays Apartment Hotel and 150 EAST Riverside Bar Restaurant re-launched their new look and celebrated their 10th birthday recently with a roaming cocktail party.

‘To keep up with the current trend of small bars in Perth, we decided to create a multi-use environment, splitting our restaurant layout into specific areas, including our conservatory which can now be separate to the new relaxed bar area inside,’ Mr Craig said.

‘Overall we are confident that our new look is what our local and interstate markets will enjoy as a point of difference from any other hotel and restaurant.’