Glenferrie Shop Swap

Glenferrie Hawthorn is nothing if not an eventful place, and with various developments, new businesses and relocations, 2024 is already shaping up to be a time of more change.

Proposed new Dan Murphy's Liquor Shop for Glenferrie Road

In 2024, Lawrencia Cycles will cease operating at their historic location of 756-758 Glenferrie Road, which has housed the business since 1938. Liquor store franchise Dan Murphy's approached proprietor Gordon Lawrence about leasing the building which led to the decision to move. While a permanent closure was considered, Gordon explained, “Rather than retire, I’d prefer to move shop and have something to pass on to my children.” The business will relocate across the street to 737 Glenferrie Road, formerly the location of the Coin Laundry & Dry Cleaning outlet. Dan Murphy’s will make its home in Lawrencia’s soon-to-be former address in the coming year. Local history buffs may be aware that the liquor shop mogul himself, Daniel Murphy, was a local resident of Hawthorn during the middle of the last century.

Haigh’s Chocolates, a fixture of 715 Glenferrie Road since 1997, is planning a change of premises to the former site of Readings at 701 Glenferrie Road. The move is expected to take place in February 2024, however they plan to only use around 22% of the 673sqm space within the new site. A spokesperson for Haigh’s explained, "Our range will not be expanding, however the new larger location will allow for a fit-out that includes luxurious jarrah, marble and glass with a new chocolate cabinet and larger displays".

Present day 655-657 Glenferrie Road and future planned development

A permit has recently been finalised by Boroondara Council for the development of a new six-storey building (over four basement levels) at 655-657 Glenferrie Road. The site, at the corner of Glenferrie Road and Grace Street, was formerly home to the Westpac bank before becoming a pop-up political campaign headquarters for local teal independent candidates. McMullin, a commercial property developer, intends to occupy the top two floors as its corporate headquarters, relocating from its current location in Camberwell.

The cluster of shops beneath the rail bridge have served up a mixed bag of activity in recent times. After more than 40 years at 668 Glenferrie Road, Aussie Disposals, with its distinctive yellow and camo paint job, closed permanently in November. Seven years after Mario’s Coffee House departed 666 Glenferrie Road, the shop will finally be occupied by a new retailer. A new concept store, The Selfie Studio, are setting up shop and will house five self-serve photo booths and a larger room for portrait-style photos.

A little further up the street, the Glenferrie Authorised Newspower agency at 660 Glenferrie Road, has shut due to significant issues with the aged building’s floors. On 29 October, Gao Kitchen – two shops away at 656 Glenferrie Road – was also forced to close after an out-of-control car rammed into the shop front. Police reported that the car’s driver was under the influence of drugs and alcohol and was apprehended trying to escape the scene.

Just off Glenferrie Road in the Railway Arcade, Alley Tunes Records and Urban Man indicated that they may need to relocate. Their landlord, Swinburne University, appears to be considering repurposing the shops in view of their pending purchase and the development of the Serpells Lane car park. Urban Man, a hairdresser, sees the possible relocation as an opportunity to diversify by offering a shoe cleaning service.

Keep your eyes peeled in the coming months for these developments and more in 2024.