Batch’s Shoes ‘n’ Keys will replace Horsham Shoe Repairs – Hey Presto from Friday.

Horsham Shoe Repairs – Hey Presto owner Peter Dybing is retiring, aged 71.

Thursday will be his last business day.

“I have owned the business for 17 years and have been in the plaza for the past 13 years,” Mr Dybing said.

“I started work back in 1958, so I’ve been around for a while.”

He and his wife Marie run the business, which provides shoe repairs, cuts keys, sells vacuum cleaner bags and shoe-care products.

“We’ve also done a lot of shaver parts,” Mr Dybing said.

He said Batch’s Shoes ‘n’ Keys would provide similar services to Horsham Shoe Repairs – Hey Presto.

Mr Dybing has been training the new store’s staff to continue his work.

He said he built his business on the mantra: work hard, be fair and give as much as you can.

“The reward is from people appreciating what you do,” he said.

“I thank all my return customers over the years and I wish them well for the future.”

Batch’s Shoes ‘n’ Keys owner Tim Batchelor congratulated Mr Dybing on his retirement.

Mr Batchelor said he and his family were determined to build on their predecessor’s legacy.

The store will provide shoe repairs, shoe care accessories, vacuum bags, key cutting and engraving.

“It’s just an extension of the family business,” Mr Batchelor said.

His father, Phill Batchelor, opened Batch’s Locksmiths 32 years ago.

The business specialises in automotive lock smithing and safes.

Six staff will work across both Batch’s Locksmiths, in Firebrace Street, and Batch’s Shoes ‘n’ Keys at Horsham Plaza.

Plaza manager Allison Roberts congratulated Mr Dybing on his achievements and welcomed the Batchelor family’s business.

“It’s an important service that Pete offers, so we’ll be sad to see him go, but by the same token it’s been a long stint and he needs a well-earned break to spend with his five kids and 14 grandies,” she said.

She was confident of the success of Batch’s Shoes ‘n’ Keys.

“The Batchelor family is well renowned throughout the region, so we know the business will be successful in the centre,” she said.

The new business also marks a milestone at Horsham Plaza.

“Leasing inquiries have been really strong for us, to the point where, for the first time since I can recall, we have got no vacant shops,” Mrs Roberts said.

Batch’s Shoes ’n’ Keys will be the sixth new business at the plaza in the past year.

It joins Spotlight, Subway, Lowes, Horsham Plaza Dental Centre and Blind Jimmy’s phone accessories.

“I think part of the strength in the leasing has also been in the improvements the landlord has made during the past couple of years,” Mrs Roberts said.

The centre has been re-tiled, its toilets have been re-furbished and a new canopy is being built at the plaza’s west entrance.

Mr Batchelor said people could call Batch’s Shoes ‘n’ Keys on 5382 1042 for more information.