The
eviction notice to tenant Thane Browne was dated 10 April 2007. However, he
said that he received the notice about a week later. 25 June is the deadline to
leave.
Mr Browne
lives at 40 Kensington St
with partner Robbie Jordan. “We’re
not trying to stay here,” he said. “We can’t fight this.”
“Robbie and
I have full time jobs, we can move out,” Mr Browne said.
However, to
remain in the area for his young daughter would be difficult. “In the
Sydney rental market, there’s nought
around.”
“We’re
having trouble and we suspect our neighbours are too. We’re looking at going from
[paying rent of] $100 a week to $500.”
“Everything
Foster’s has done is legal or correct. But I believe the process has been
curious.”
Foster’s
disagrees. “We publicly announced our intention to close and vacate the former
Kent Brewery (CUB) site in 2003,” Troy Hey, Foster’s External Communications Manger
told the SSH. After the cancellation of a 2003 conditional sale, Foster’s sought
planning approvals for the site. It received concept approval in February 2007.
Foster’s
then appointed agents and is looking to agree to a sale mid-year. “We have not
added new tenants since 2003 as the 17 terraces in Kensington and Abercrombie Streets
were vacated. Four tenants remain in April 2007,” Mr Hey said.
The
terraces deemed of heritage significance will be retained but require extensive
conservation works, he continued. “The ultimate decision on the future of the site
and non-heritage protected buildings will rest in the hands of the new owner
and developer.”
Foster’s
said the eviction of tenants is to facilitate the best results for site
renewal. “While we will do whatever we can do to assist with relocation, the
notice date is part of the sale process and cannot be shifted,” Mr Hey
concluded.
Mr Browne
and Ms Jordan are yet to receive any
offer of help.
Source:
South Sydney Herald June 2007 www.southsydneyherald.com.au/