The fight over a tiny shop in the way of a new Sydney train station
Having endured numerous struggles since fleeing Vietnam by boat more than four decades ago, Thi Mai and Cao Thuong Tran are now facing a new battle. The couple, who arrived in Sydney in 1983 and purchased a small shop near Wynyard station in the CBD in 2001, are embroiled in a two-year dispute with Sydney Metro over the compulsory acquisition of their shop for a new train station beneath Hunter Street.
Cao, speaking in broken English, expressed his frustration, saying, I feel very upset. We try to invest in this shop for our retirement. I’m nearly 69, but I have to keep going. In addition to working as a milkman for 35 years, he now earns a living as a handyman on social housing sites.
The Tran’s shop, tucked away in an underground arcade, could potentially become another casualty in the relentless push for urban development. Sydney Metro’s plans for a new train station have necessitated the acquisition of several properties, displacing longtime business owners like the Trans. The couple had hoped to rely on the income from their shop for a peaceful retirement, but now find themselves grappling with uncertainty and anxiety.
The adversarial process of compulsory acquisition has taken a toll on the Trans, representing a significant emotional and financial burden. Upon receiving the acquisition notice from Sydney Metro, the couple sought legal advice and engaged in negotiations, hoping for a fair resolution. However, their efforts have yet to yield a satisfactory outcome.
While the acquisition process aims to strike a balance between public interest and individual rights, it often leaves property owners feeling powerless and disenfranchised. The Trans, like many others in similar situations, believe that their voices and concerns are being overlooked in the pursuit of progress.
Sydney Metro, on the other hand, maintains that the acquisition is necessary to deliver improved transport infrastructure for the city. The proposed train station beneath Hunter Street forms a crucial part of their expansion plans, aiming to alleviate congestion and enhance connectivity in Sydney’s bustling central business district.
The clash between urban development and the preservation of community and heritage is an ongoing battle faced by many cities worldwide. Balancing progress and the needs of existing communities is a complex undertaking, with no easy solutions. Nevertheless, the Trans remain determined to fight for their small piece of Sydney, a testament to their resilience and unwavering spirit.
As the fight over their tiny shop continues, the Trans embody the struggles and sacrifices of immigrants who build a life from scratch and find solace in the familiarities of their small businesses. The outcome of their battle against compulsory acquisition will not only shape their lives but will also serve as a microcosm of the broader challenges faced by city dwellers everywhere.
In the midst of the legal wrangling and bureaucratic entanglements, it is crucial to remember the human cost of progress. The fate of the Tran’s shop hangs in the balance, representing more than just bricks and mortar – it symbolizes the hopes, dreams, and perseverance of a couple who have overcome incredible odds. As the battle rages on, it remains to be seen whether the Trans will emerge victorious or be forced to yield to the relentless march of progress.
