Springvale Road Shops

The interpretive sign at Springvale Road shops forms part of the Spirit of Enterprise Trail, which tells the story of the Enterprise Migrant Hostel and the Springvale community’s effort to welcome and support the hostel’s 30,000 migrant and refugee residents.

The Springvale Road shops is a place of continual change and evolution. 

Boasting strong Asian influences, Springvale Road has become a much-desired tourist destination. It is also a “barometer” of change in the community. This vibrant and diverse shopping strip has continually evolved with each wave of migration introducing new cultures, skills and energy to Springvale. 

The first shops were opened in the late 1800’s by the early settlers. They were drawn to Springvale for the affordable land, work opportunities and the welcoming community. 

Following World War I, immigrants from Britain and Europe arrived in Springvale and started businesses on Springvale Road. 

At one stage the shops were predominantly Italian and Greek, with greengrocers, hairdressers and cafes. Following this, people settled in the area from Northern and Southern European countries and the Springvale Road shops changed to meet the needs of these communities. The shops became more diverse. 

The Enterprise Migrant Hostel was a major driver for this evolution. Between 1972 and 1992 more than 30,000 immigrants and refugees were welcomed to the Springvale community. The significant contribution and influence of the Enterprise residents on the cultural and economic life of the shopping strip is still evident today. 

In the 1970s and the 1980s a number of refugees from Timor, South and Central America and South East Asia arrived at the Enterprise Migrant Hostel – and with this the character of the shops changed again. The ethnic Chinese communities from Vietnam and Cambodia became the dominant presence and remain so today, as well as many former communities that still have an active presence. 

For almost forty years Eton’s Furniture shop on Springvale Road, owned by Wes Eggelston, played an important role in the settlement of new immigrants. He sold secondhand furniture under ‘time to pay’ arrangements and often without charging interest. Wes also ran the Springvale Benevolent Society from his shop. 

The Springvale Road shops and the streets around it continue to diversify, with the influence of Uyghur, Korea, Laos, Thailand, Sri Lanka and India enriching the culinary experience on offer. Springvale to this day is testament to how positive attitudes, entrepreneurial thinking and a dedicated work ethic can build strong cohesive and vibrant communities.  

Learn more about the Spirit of Enterprise project by walking the Spirit of Enterprise Trail and watching the video here.