Redevelopment disrupts Little India trading

work in the area and in surrounding streets; however this is causing road blockages, limited access to the shops and limited parking spaces. All of this has impacted on business and subsequently the health and well-being of traders in that area, according to Manoj Kumar.

“Some traders have closed their shops while others are forced to consider leaving the area due to a drastic drop in business,” he said.

Melbourne’s iconic multicultural hub ‘Little India’, in Foster Street, Dandenong is facing threats to its existence, according to community activist Manoj Kumar. The Little India precinct started in 1980 with establishment of the first Indian grocery and video shop, followed by the opening of Punjab Sweet Shop and Roshan’s Fashions. Today this business hub is an eclectic mix of about 37 shops that provide Indian food and fashion, Bollywood movies along with Arabic grocery stores, an Australian tattoo shop, African hairdressing shop and Cambodian coffee shop. The area’s proximity to Dandenong station and easy accessibility has attracted patrons from all over Victoria in the past. Famously known as ‘Little India’, this vibrant street is of significant value to the South Asian community.

Due to redevelopment of the area by Vic Urban, Little India is now facing threats to its existence. Vic Urban has started construction