URGENT UPDATE: Business closures are accelerating in Rathdowne Village, a beloved shopping strip in Carlton North, as rising costs and declining trade force iconic stores to shut down or relocate. Locals are expressing deep concern that this once-bustling area is losing its charm and vibrancy, causing a shift in community dynamics.
Just recently, Connor Cunliffe, owner of Fledgling Café, announced the closure of his café after operating since 2017. He cited soaring expenses, reduced foot traffic, and personal burnout as the driving factors behind his difficult decision. “Our end [of the street], with La Porchetta closing, it just lost a bit of its buzz,” Cunliffe stated. “You’d have people walking down the street. It’s a little bit different now.”
The well-known La Porchetta restaurant, which had been a staple of the community for nearly 40 years, closed its doors in early 2024. This closure, along with the impending relocation of neighboring Gerald’s Bar to the former Rising Sun Hotel on Lygon Street, is further contributing to the area’s decline.
Storefronts are becoming increasingly vacant, particularly at the northern end of Rathdowne Village, where some heritage buildings are showing signs of neglect, including graffiti. The situation has prompted real estate agents to work diligently in search of new tenants amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainty.
The popular bistro La Luna, which was put up for sale last year, has also left its building empty after being sold earlier this year. Another commercial property across from the former bistro is currently available for lease, signaling a worrying trend for this once-thriving hub.
Cunliffe reflected on his time in Rathdowne Village, expressing gratitude despite the challenges. “It’s such a special location,” he remarked. “It feels like a country town, but you’re five or ten minutes from the city. It’s how you would imagine it would have been 50 years ago.”
As the local community rallies to address these changes, residents are encouraged to support remaining businesses to help revitalize the area. The future of Rathdowne Village hangs in the balance, and what happens next will be crucial to its survival as a cherished destination.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as authorities and local leaders assess the situation and seek solutions to breathe new life into Rathdowne Village.
