Westfield removes floral tributes as Bondi retailers hope for business as usual
Tenants at Westfield Bondi Junction are moving to the next phase of recovery as floral tributes are removed from the site following the shocking knife attack just over two weeks ago in which six people were killed.
Son of a Baker founder Roman Urosevski said there had been a slowdown in foot traffic as things returned to normal at the mall, but was hopeful customers would start coming back.
“In the first few days after the tragedy there was a pickup in business ... but now we are seeing it is about 30 per cent quieter,” Urosevski said.
Son of a Baker at Westfield Bondi JunctionCredit: Son of a Baker Instagram
“That also includes the most recent school holidays. Customers were keen to support local business, and we hope that will come back.”
Scentre Group chief executive Elliott Rusanow outside the Bondi shopping centre on Monday.Credit: Steven Siewert
Scentre, the owner of the shopping centre in the heart of Sydney’s eastern suburbs, removed the floral tributes and collected the messages on Wednesday evening.
They will form part of the official condolence record for the families of the victims.
Black ribbon signage on doors was also removed, but it will remain on rotation on digital screens. Black ribbon pins will also still be available at the concierge by request.
On April 13, a busy Saturday afternoon, six people were fatally stabbed at the shopping centre by 40-year-old Joel Cauchi.
Scentre management has been praised for its handling of the tragedy, and on Tuesday, chief executive Elliott Rusanow said the group was grateful for the support the community had shown each other throughout “this very difficult time”.
“The flowers and tributes laid on level 4 of the centre are a symbol of this outpouring of emotion. Thank you for your support,” a statement from Rusanow’s said.
Scentre has increased security and issued tenants with a checklist of what to do in case of various emergencies. A number of larger tenants were contacted about the ongoing effect of the attack on foot traffic but declined to comment.
Westfield Bondi Junction is the largest shopping centre in Sydney and covers a large catchment area across the city’s east.
It was built on land originally occupied by Grace Bros, Carousel Centre and Bondi Junction Plaza.
The redevelopment opened in stages from November 2003 to August 2004, and the complex was subsequently renamed Westfield Bondi Junction.
The memorial site at Westfield Bondi Junction was removed after trading hours on May 1.Credit: Flavio Brancaleone
The Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA) said it had stayed in close contact with Westfield Bondi Junction’s landlord and retailers.
SCCA chief executive Angus Nardi said the group formally recognised Scentre’s efforts and compassion during the aftermath, including their support for the ongoing NSW Police investigation.
“Community safety and security is a priority for our industry, and we take very seriously that shopping centres are public places, are at the heart of our communities, and our visitors can include families and children,” Nardi said in a statement.
He said the SCCA was committed and ready to work with governments and relevant stakeholders “on any learnings to ensure our staff and visitors stay safe”.
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