Port Phillip Arcade among acquisitions for Melbourne Metro Rail

Businesses in a central city arcade have called Neil Mitchell in shock after learning their shops are on the government’s acquisition hit list.

Transport Minister Jacinta Allan this morning revealed dozens of buildings and titles would be acquired to build the Melbourne Metro Rail.

The government did not give exact locations, but Betty from Cake Deco confirmed all of Port Phillip Arcade would be acquired, including restaurants and the long-standing Max Stern Stamp Shop.

‘We had the rug pulled under (us) first thing this morning,’ Betty told Neil Mitchell.

‘We’re all devastated, it’s our livelihood.

‘There was no mention that the arcade would be going or anything.

‘We thought we were going to have to live through a mess … but we and no idea we were going to lose all of it.

‘It’s just a shock … it’s terrible.’

Listen: Click play to hear Betty speak with Neil

94 properties will be compulsorily acquired: 44 buildings – 15 residential – including 49 apartments.

The properties to go are in South Kensington, South Yarra and the CBD.

Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan says consultation with affected residents and business owners continues.

She says they will be treated fairly, but she won’t say how much the acquisitions will cost.

– with Lauren Hilbert.