We survived lockout laws and Covid… but an infuriating problem could be what really destroys Oxford Street

Business owners fear one of Australia’s most iconic nightlife strips could be ruined forever as ongoing construction projects threaten to force them out of the area. 

A number of storefronts along Sydney’s Oxford Street have been left gutted and covered in graffiti while those still trading are struggling to stay afloat.

It’s a far cry from the street’s renowned history as one of the crown jewels of Sydney’s nightlife and the premier location for the annual Mardi Gras parade.

A number of business owners along the street have blamed cost of living pressures and constant construction projects for reducing foot traffic and sales.

One of those projects includes a massive renovation of three blocks to create the new ‘Oxford & Foley’ precinct which was tipped to be completed last year.

But pedestrians are still being impacted by scaffolding over footpaths after the construction timetable blew out with projects now expected to finish in July.

The other project impacting businesses is a new cycle path being built along Oxford Street after a concerted campaign by Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

Ken Holmes, who owns underwear and swimwear store Aussie Boys, said the business was now trading ’40 to 45 per cent’ below its expected amount.

Mr Holmes said he now faces closing his store after it was opened more than 40 years ago while it’s flanked by construction sites.

Lockout laws, the Covid pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis has battered the region with bar owners also struggling to keep their doors open. 

‘The problem is nobody’s coming here because everyone’s saying “don’t go to Oxford Street, there’s nothing there”,’ he told NCA NewsWire.

‘We’re trying to turn that around a bit, but it seems to be stuck in people’s minds that there’s nothing here so they don’t come here.’

He added the reduced foot traffic along the iconic street meant there are days where the business records no sales.

Barriers and fences now cover the front of Aussie Boys for the cycle path while construction on the Oxford & Foley precinct continues just doors down.

Investment firm AsheMorgan started the process toward building the precinct in 2019 by signing a 99-year lease on the three council-owned properties alongside developer, Toga Group.

The AsheMorgan website describes the project as a ‘prominent collection of character buildings providing a mixture of basement and ground floor retail and upper floors of commercial accommodation, within a renowned urban village’.

But the extended construction time has led to award-winning bar and restaurant Big Poppa’s, located at the centre of the development, to close its doors.

A statement from restaurants management said the delays compounded the ‘impact on our business’.

‘As you would have noticed, for the past 21 months the block we live in has been undergoing redevelopment,’ the statement reads. 

‘We are hoping that the construction is completed as quickly as possible and we can reopen our doors with some exciting new neighbours.’ 

A TOGA spokesperson said they have ‘worked diligently to minimise disruptions and communicate regularly with neighbours and tenants, ensuring that the final development reflects the community’s passion for this iconic precinct’. 

Another project on Oxford Street’s famed Taylor Square has led to beloved bar Cafe Freda’s announcing it will call last drinks after Mardi Gras on March 1.

Co-owner David Abram initially relocated the bar from Chippendale in 2020 without knowing ‘how long we would be at this iconic location’.

The building it currently sits in will be redeveloped into a $14.6million boutique hotel. 

A City of Sydney spokesman said it is still encouraging locals to support businesses despite the ongoing transformation. 

‘The City of Sydney continues to support local businesses with marketing across a range of online and outdoor channels encouraging residents and visitors to visit the strip during the improvement works,’ the spokesperson told Newswire.

Daily Mail Australia approached the City of Sydney, TOGA and AsheMorgan for comment.