Businesses plea “we’re still open” amid Waiapu Precinct works2 min read

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Local businesses relying on the carpark outside Woolworths are urging the community to support them as construction for the Waiapu Precinct begins.

Almost 30 parking bays outside Angkor Bakery, Good Deal Dollar Store and St Margaret’s Op Shop have been fenced off since early September, when work started to remove traffic islands, a tree and a light pole to make way for a large manhole.

Construction is underway on underground utilities, starting with wastewater lines from the bakery to Church Street and the former mini golf site. Stormwater and drinking water upgrades will follow, along the new tree pits, a carpark entrance and footpaths. Lower carpark works, including foundations, road layouts with raised speed tables, footpaths, and asphalting, will continue until June 2026.

For the small businesses, the impact has been devastating, and they are pleading to the community “we are still open – don’t forget about us”.

Nga Sim, owner of Angkor Bakery, says they’ve lost thousands every week, and her cabinets are now left nearly full at the end of the day.

“We’ve gone from baking 12 trays of 24 pies to just nine. Our sandwiches have dropped from seven loaves’ worth to four, and we still have leftovers,” says Nga. “We either donate the leftovers or we’re forced to throw them away.”

Good Deal Dollar Store has seen revenue plunge by at least 80%. “Some days, we don’t get a single customer,” says owner, Mira Kim. “One day we sold only $100 worth of goods. We were closed during Covid, but this feels even worse, because we’re open, and people just can’t reach us.”

At St Margaret’s Op Shop, sales and donations have also collapsed. “One week we made $500 on a Friday and the week later, it dropped to $100,” says Diana Filimone, assistant manager. “We can’t survive like this.”

The lack of parking has even made donations difficult. The St Margaret’s Church in Hillsborough usually delivers donations, but they have to park at the library and carry heavy banana boxes to the shop.

“We know it’s inconvenient, but please don’t forget us,” says Nga. “We’re still here, and we need you more than ever.