MAL’Z Deli owner Janina Groger is currently sitting on top of the roof of her shop in protest against developer Psaros who is about to demolish the building.
Ms Groger says the shop’s lease expires at the end of 2017, however the developer is demolishing the building today to pave the way for new apartments.
Ms Groger’s husband Simon Mackenzie began leasing the 1930s building in August 2012 with the intention of operating out of the corner shop for a long time to come.
He received a letter last year from developer Psaros, informing him of plans to build an apartment block at the site.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWHe said he had spent more than $160,000 restoring the shop to operate as a deli and cafe, named after his late uncle Mal, and could not contemplate being forced out once his lease expires in three years.
With a year left on his lease developers were on site to demolish the iconic corner deli this morning.
Locals took to social media to vent their frustration.