ASPENDALE EDITHVALE REMEDIAL MASSAGE CLINIC

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The history & Future of the Clinic

Posted: 25th January 2025                        Author: Andrew Zsigmond

This News Item was definitely NOT created with AI

To my valued clients.

The Clinic at 93 Edithvale Rd has operated for the past 11 years. And prior to this, I operated from a small shop (that has now been demolished) at 32 Edithvale Rd for 5 years. I've had therapists (Naturopaths, Nutritionists, Physiotherapists, Counsellors and Myotherapists) that have come and gone over the time, but since the Covid lockdowns, I have been the sole practitioner. It's my belief that there are no other fully qualified Remedial Massage therapists or Myotherapists operating commercially in Edithvale. There are a few "shops" in the Nepean Highway shopping strip that have either Thai, Chinese, Relaxation or Beauty Therapy massage therapists, but to my knowledge, none are qualified to be Private Health Insurance providers. In the past few years since the Covid lockdowns, the various representative associations have seen a large percentage of their qualified Remedial Massage members, not return to the industry or drop out entirely.  

My aim has always been to set up a clinic with a relaxed, homely feel and to be situated away from the hustle and bustle of the Highway, train station and shopping strip. I was given this opportunity when this house became available to lease, after being vacant for 3 months, back in 2014. At the time, this property was difficult to rent as a residence, as potential candidates complained of the noise proximity to the road and lack of yard with shelter. Nevertheless, it suited my needs and provided me with a place with rooms to set up as treatment rooms, a kitchen and staff area to relax in downtimes, a garage for storage and a bathroom/shower to utilise after exercise during the day. This location is also more visible to passing trade, and has better parking opportunities than the Edithvale shop's precinct.

One year ago, a new and much larger Real Estate company aquired the previous small business Real Estate agency that managed my lease. They, shortly after, informed the owner that the rent I was paying was below the market value and subsequently convinced the owner to enforce a radicle 23% rise in rent. After much negotiations and making them aware of the many issues of neglected maintenance, we came to a compromise and agreed on a 12 month lease with an 11% rent increase (previous leases were 24 months). In that time, only one of the many reported issues (that of the sinking foundations of the rear corner of the property) have been addressed (unsuccesfully), however signs of failing eaves and cracked brickwork and cracked plaster have reappeared after 2 to 3 weeks. 

Just prior to Christmas, I was informed once again by the Real Estate company, that the owner has instructed them NOT to offer me a new lease at the end of the lease term in March 2025. I will, however, be able to remain at the property with a periodical (month to month) tenancy arrangement. This will also be accompanied with another 10% rent rise.

Many have asked me, what am I going to do? And the answer is, I'm still uncertain. I am not sure if the owner is planning to place the property on the market or keep it longer. If he does sell, all I can hope for is that it be sold to another investor that'll keep me on.  All I know is that I want to stay and continue practising my craft in the suburb of my birthplace and where I grew up in my childhood. On the topic of working from my own home in Patterson Lakes. My house is not appropriate to practise from at this stage. We are planning to build a detatched dwelling in the back yard of our property for my son who is in Uni and maybe once he leaves home I may use that as a semi retirement location to work from. He still has 4 years to go so this is a long term plan.

So basically, the future of the clinic is uncertain but I will be digging my heels in and staying for as long as I can. In the event that my tenancy is terminated, I will probably be given a month to vacate. In the event that I cant find a suitable property to practise from, I may be required, for a short interim period, to go back to home visits or operate from a room in someone elses clinic, possibly in a neighbouring suburb. I will be surveying/taking a poll of my clients willingness to continue their patronage, if this situation occurs.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in advance who has supported my business over the past 16+ years and hope that wherever I end up, they will continue to use my services.

Thankyou for reading, I know it's a long letter, and I hope to see more of you in 2025 and beyond.

Happy New Year

Cheers,

Andrew Zsigmond

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