Forty years ago, Nang and her husband Jin Ran Wu opened their small pharmacy on Sydney's bustling George Street, managing to buy the shop space within two years of opening.

Now, as the once-busy road has been fenced off and foot traffic reduced to a fraction for the construction of the new light rail line, the Wus realise just how fortunate they are.

Nang and Jin Wu, who have owned and worked at the same pharmacy on George Street for 40 years. Credit:Brook Mitchell

"We are the lucky ones, not many people are so lucky, like the Ming Hoi restaurant, they worked [sic] every day and they couldn't afford it with the rent and the wages and customer drop," Mrs Wu said.

Before buying their shop for $85,000 in 1980, the couple were leasing for two years at $120 a week, while similar businesses are now paying upwards of $5000 a week, she said.