Melbourne cafe institution pleads for support to bring life back into CBD
Just a stone's throw from Victorian Parliament, which employs over 300,000 public servants, cafes and retail spaces are struggling.
They say the rise in work from home arrangements for office workers coupled with rising crime has left Melbourne's once bustling city streets void of foot traffic.
Melbourne institution Pelligrini's has been loved by locals and tourists since the 50s.
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Melbourne institution Pelligrini's has been loved by locals and tourists since the 50s. A Current Affair
But the espresso bar's owner David Malaspina says the lifeblood of the CBD is down and it's hitting his business hard.
"We've been forgotten by the people in power, the decision makers," he said.
"We need public servants back in the city. They're important to us."
The family business owner says he's angry with the Victorian government, which he claims is not supporting CBD business and is soft on crime.
It's an issue that hits close to home for Malaspina, after his father Sisto was murdered in a terror attack in Bourke Street in 2018.
Across the street, newsagent Carmel says in 40 plus years she's never seen the city so quiet.
She says Bourke Street can be quiet the battleground, sometimes resorting to barricading herself and staff inside.
"I keep the door locked because I have had them push the door, push the door, try and knock at the door, come around the side lane," she said.
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Pelligrini owner David Malaspina says the lifeblood of the CBD is down and it's hitting his business hard. A Current Affair
It's a complex argument, but all sides agree there's a common denominator - lack of funding for crime and a lack of will to bring life back to business.
A Current Affair invited Premier Jacinta Allan to Pellegrini's for a coffee to discuss trader woes and anti-social behaviour in the city. She was unavailable.
Melbourne city council mayor Nick Reece said private security has been hired to help keep people safe, alongside a pledge of 30 city safety officers.
"It's completely unacceptable to me that there's parts of the city where people don't feel safe," Reece said.
Watch the full video in the player above.
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