Local Businesses Struggle as Lincoln Roadworks Disrupt Sales

Roadworks in Lincoln’s town centre have severely impacted local businesses, leading to significant declines in sales and foot traffic. Many owners are expressing concerns about the sustainability of their operations as construction continues.

The construction, part of a long-term redevelopment initiative by the Selwyn District Council, began in January 2024 and is set to transform the town centre into a more pedestrian-friendly area. According to Surekha Pudi, who manages the Cottage Café, her sales have plummeted by approximately 50%. Pudi, who has owned the café for about three years, shared her worries about the future, stating, “We have taken loans and we have taken money from our pockets. Now we have no money to take out of our pockets… we can’t even afford the rent.”

Pudi has had to make difficult staffing decisions, letting go of an employee while her husband takes on additional work to support their family. With a newborn at home, Pudi’s situation highlights the human cost of the ongoing disruptions. She is urging the council for more support, including rent subsidies and relief packages, questioning, “How long can we face this struggle?”

Impact on Local Retailers

The Selwyn District Council has acknowledged that the roadworks, which include widening footpaths and replacing sewer lines, are necessary for accommodating the region’s rapid population growth. Census data indicates that Selwyn is currently the fastest-growing territorial authority in New Zealand.

Business owners like Rick Sun, who runs the Lincoln Convenience Store, have felt the strain acutely. Sun reports a staggering 60% drop in sales and is relying on personal savings to keep his family business afloat. He noted that the store has seen a decrease in daily transactions, falling from approximately 300 last year to just 120 currently. “One day we will run out of our savings, and the business will shut down,” he said.

The construction has also altered traffic patterns, with many potential customers opting to avoid the area altogether. On a recent visit, traffic was backed up, and some drivers turned away from the main street, further compounding the challenges faced by local retailers.

Florists at Broadfield Flowers, Suzanna Naylor and Annie Strong, reported that they have cut back on hours due to the downturn in business. Naylor mentioned the adverse effects on their busiest season, stating, “It definitely affected our Christmas trade… we had a lot of waste as well, because we have products that can’t last.”

Accessibility Challenges and Community Response

For many businesses, accessibility has become a critical issue. Raeann McPherson, owner of the Lincoln Family Barber, has encouraged customers to park behind buildings and cross a temporary footbridge to reach her shop. She noted that walk-in customers have decreased by half, forcing her to rely on appointment bookings instead.

In response to these challenges, McPherson has started a petition advocating for permanent pedestrian access from a nearby car park. The petition has garnered 384 signatures, reflecting community support for improved accessibility. Local barber AJ Vine described the situation as a “diabolical mess,” particularly for elderly customers and families navigating the construction site.

Despite the disruptions, Tim Mason, executive director of infrastructure and property for the Selwyn District Council, reiterated the long-term benefits of the upgrade. He acknowledged the “disruption to businesses and residents” but emphasized that the redevelopment would ultimately enhance the town’s infrastructure. Mason highlighted future opportunities, such as the proposed Lincoln Village, which is expected to host 14 new businesses.

Food outlets have been particularly affected by the lack of short-term parking. Lou Hardie, manager of Lincoln Fish Supply, reported a “significant drop” in revenue, stating that while larger off-street parking areas are planned, many businesses depend heavily on on-street parking for quick customer visits.

The council has committed to working closely with local businesses to mitigate disruptions, including exploring additional parking options and improving pedestrian access. Mason stated, “We will keep working with the businesses and looking at options for how we can reduce the disruption, including looking at options around the work programme and hours.”

Despite these assurances, uncertainty looms for many local business owners. As Rick Sun put it, “I don’t know how long I can survive. And this is just the beginning.” The ongoing roadworks present a significant challenge to the livelihood of businesses in Lincoln’s town centre, raising concerns about their future viability as construction continues.