Wellington’s Bordeaux Bakery chain is shutting its doors after 30 years — blaming what it calls catastrophic roading changes by the council.
The business, which employs about 30 people across its three stores, told 1News it has seen a decrease in turnover by about 70% in the past year.
Owner Tony Bates said: “We used to have people queued up at the door at 7am to get their coffees before they go off to work, now we’re lucky if we get a customer before 9am.
“I’m not exaggerating. It’s been catastrophic, the decision.”
He pointed the finger at the council for rearranging Thorndon Quay.
The $46.8 million transport project includes the removal of 75 car parks to make way for pedestrian crossings, bus lanes, and cycleways.
Bates said he put the “entire blame on the lack of car parks”.
“I’m not anti-cycle, I’m not anti-cyclist — I’m anti the council’s decision to not work with us in a collaborative way.”
Other businesses were also feeling the pain.
Wellington Beds managing director Patrice Green said they are down about 30% on business in Thorndon Quay, which is “well out of proportion” compared to their other stores.
“We’re really lucky that we’ve got stores outside of the CBD.”
But local councillor Geordie Rodgers isn’t convinced the downturn in business is only due to the removal of the car parks.
“There are lots of factors at the moment from job layoffs to living in a recession that are making it really difficult for people to come out and support our local businesses.”
The council’s aim is to make the quay a safer and more efficient route.
One cyclist told 1News it was “nice having the separated cycle lane” on his daily commute to work.
“I think people need to change their mentality on where they park to get to businesses,” he said.
However, one local called the project “totally, utterly confusing”, adding that finding a car park was “hopeless”.
The council is offering a $1500 disruption payment. Businesses, however, say what they want is to be listened to.