00:00For Jamal Bakri's business, it's adapt to survive.
00:06If we're not changing, we don't see us lasting.
00:10If I see a drop in percentage of clientele because of the works that are going out outside,
00:16we just won't make it.
00:17His bar and his mother's neighbouring restaurant will close their doors to daily trade for
00:22at least two years, focusing instead on functions and events.
00:27The businesses are located on the western side of London Circuit, which is now closed
00:31between Northbourne and Edinburgh Avenues to allow for the extension of Canberra's light
00:37rail.
00:38It's meant some of his staff have been let go.
00:41It's been a very big decision to close this down for a period of time, but we've just
00:46got to do what we have to do to stay afloat.
00:49Just down the road, this cafe has already seen a decrease in the number of people through
00:53the doors.
00:55Now we're in the middle of lunchtime, probably 60-70% less customers today than normal.
01:00The 1.7km extension will take light rail from the city to Lake Burley Griffin, adding three
01:06new stops.
01:07It's anticipated the line will be operational in early 2028.
01:11What we're doing is we're working with businesses just to understand some of the impacts that
01:15may be impacting them from the construction and ensuring that they have the information
01:19that they need to remain open.
01:23Pedestrians will still be able to access the precinct during construction, and signs have
01:28been placed in the area to direct people to the area's businesses.
01:32For the little people stuck in the middle, you'd just hope there was a bit more financial
01:36support from the government, not money, just reducing rates or just something to take the
01:42pressure off us.
01:43Part of the government policy is not to reduce or provide rent or rate relief, but what we're
01:49looking for is other ways of hearing from businesses about what we can do to assist.
01:54We just need to be patient and hopefully we can survive.
01:59Hoping they'll be able to stay on track.
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