“Slow and steady downturn”: Why is Mooroolbark's 1980s mall stuck in the past?

Mooroolbark locals have long viewed Mooroolbark Terrace as a strange sight to behold - a place lost to time as the town modernised.

However, while many shops have been empty for years, there is still a dedicated community of shop owners holding on.

Opened in 1982, it was a hub for local shoppers. 

However, since the IGA supermarket closed here in 2016, foot traffic and interest from shop owners has dwindled, with more than half of the 24 stores currently empty.

Despite the decor being stuck in the past, there is still activity going on.

Terrace Jewellers owner Brett Clarke has been serving the community for close to 40 years and said it had been a “slow and steady” downturn.

“It’s a shame that it’s got like this,” he said.

“There’s no money to do the redevelopment either.”

Clarke said there have been ongoing talks with Woolworths for a number of years, but roadblocks seem to have put the site in a stalemate.

Other stores include a tattoo artist, an electronic repair store, an Asian grocery and an arts space specialising in helping neurodivergent kids explore their creativity.

Mixed Maker’s Studio owner Debbi moved into the shopping centre about three years ago and said she instantly fell in love with the community.

“So many people talk about it, but they don’t come and visit,” she said.

Debbi runs art classes for both children and adults, where people can let their creativity run free in a neurodivergent-friendly space with sensitivity support, including a special glow-in-the-dark option.

“I want to encourage adults and come in,” he said.

“You don’t have to be artistic or creative at all.

“If we make bad art, let’s at least be good at it.”