the valley brief

Director, Fentmont PTY LTD

How long have you been based in the Valley?
I was born in the Valley in 1964 and have either lived or worked here ever since.
Why did you base your business in the Valley?
My father purchased the California Cafe in 1952, a few years after arriving from Cyprus. Since 1971 the family company has purchased commercial properties in the area on Brunswick Street, including Carols Corner, and a few on Ann Street. I assist in managing the family operations, and am proud of what we have achieved in nurturing start-up businesses and especially fashion designers and boutiques which have made the Ann Street strip a Brisbane icon.
What other ties do you have with the Valley?
I am on the Mall’s Advisory Committee, a member of the Valley Chamber of Commerce and part of their Valley Property Group.
How has the Valley changed in that time?
The Valley has evolved into a vibrant multicultural community that has become Brisbane’s soul, from the early part of the century’s heydays as the Brisbane hub of retailing into Brisbane’s music capital. I would like to see property owners of heritage buildings, and those who rent out their shops for below market value so that young people can still have their dream of starting a business, be rewarded with reduced land tax and rates. Otherwise with no incentive to keep rents down it will be just the mainstream operators who can afford to be here.
What is your vision for the Valley?
Within ten years the Valley will be a place where the streets will be traffic-calmed and tree-lined, high-rise buildings will blend with the old, and small and independent businesses will complement the mainstream. Businesses like architects, web designers and the tech sector will flourish, and students and workers will continue to enjoy the cosmopolitan lifestyle and live work, study and play, all in a bustling environment.