A Sydney community has said a local bakery has been treated “unfairly” after it was denied a lease renewal.
Classic Bakery in Winston Hills, in the city’s west, announced through an in-store sign that its lease had not been renewed, and it would cease trading on February 9.
“Building management has decided not to renew our lease,” the bakery said.
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“Unfortunately, we had no say in this decision.
“It has been our pleasure serving you and this community for the last 28 years.”
A petition has been launched by locals, outraged over the closure of the “beloved local business … facing an unjust situation”.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they should be treated fairly,” organiser Adhitan Sivapathasuntharam said.
“We cannot stand by while a valued member of our community is treated this way.
“Let us stand together and demand fair treatment for Winston Hills Classic Bakery from the mall management.”
It is understood the site will be replaced by a Bakers delight store.
Winston Hills Mall addressed the closure in a statement shared on its website.
“Following discussions and negotiations with the owners of Classic Bakery Winston Hills, management at Winston Hills Mall have announced the departure of the Classic Bakery from the Mall on February 9,” management said.
“Privacy and commercial terms are in confidence, constraining any further comment on the matter.
“As a national top performing sub-regional shopping centre, Winston Hills Mall has a history of supporting its retailers, providing advice and assistance.
“Management, and the landlord, wish to thank (the owners) for their commitment and support of the Winston Hills community and its local centre.
“We wish them all the very best in their future endeavours.”
‘Favouring a national chain’
It is concerning that Classic Bakery’s lease was not renewed despite being a tenant for 28 years, founder and CEO of the Small Business Association of Australia Anne Nalder said.
“While the landlord is within its rights to renew leases subject to all parties having abided by the terms of the lease, the current situation raises moral ethics,” she said.
“It appears the landlord is favouring a national chain to be the new tenant.
“Small business is vital for the economic success of this country, with 2.5 million actively trading small businesses in Australia.
“They employ some five million and represent 98 per cent of all businesses in this country.
“Small businesses bore the brunt of the lockdowns during COVID and require some space to get back on their feet.”
Nalder said she was concerned about this practice that appears to be widespread.
“Some landlords appear to have no consideration for the small business owner who has been a good long-term tenant, invested in plant and machinery, employs staff and who will now suffer financial loss due to trying to find suitable new premises, re-furbishing, disruption to the business and then re-establishing its business.”
Bakers Delight has been contacted for comment.