International developer claps back at accusations of ‘improper conduct’

Eatertainment recently criticised UEM Sunrise for terminating a lease following what Eleanor Barratt, Home of Hospitality managing director, described as “a quagmire of broken assurances and representations”.

UEM Sunrise has responded to Eatertainment’s critiques with a strong assertion of their own good conduct in the affair.

“UEM Sunrise refutes any suggestions of improper conduct regarding the tenancy with Eatertaiment Group at Aurora Melbourne Central,” the developer said.

“The parties should respect that the current issue is ongoing and being deliberated before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT),” UEM Sunrise stated. “The company, in compliance with the legal process, will not provide any further details regarding the dispute.”

Recently, Eatertainment Group made the statement that VCAT had found itself “in support of Eatertainment’s rights under the lease signed in 2021”.

UEM Sunrise also refuted Eatertainment’s characterisation of the developer as a “billion-dollar juggernaut” with few connections to Melbourne’s hospitality and detail sectors.

“UEM Sunrise is proud of the many strong retail partnerships it has formed over the past six years in Melbourne,” the firm stated.

UEM Sunrise added: “We’re also proud to regularly contribute back to the communities and local economies we operate in, such as our recent Foodbank partnership at Aurora Melbourne and the Bourne Local community markets, a hospitality and entertainment initiative at our pre-development site in Collingwood.