Kiama’s small business co-op is on the move. They’re jumping to the next street across to the former Mitre 10 site on Terralong Street.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Emily Gough’s Pop-Up Co-Op features an eclectic array of more than 20 small businesses and artists who are not locked contracts, but instead work month-to-month.
Ms Gough, who opened the venture last year, said the move would accommodate for up to 32 operators.
“It allows us to grow, being centrally located in the main street,” she said.
The Co-Op will continue trading in Collins Street until the end of December, while The Collective Kiama will open on October 8, with a three month transition period between stores.
Kiama Mayor Brian Petschler said Kiama council agreed in August to enter a lease for ten months for the former hardware store, “with options on a monthly basis thereafter, until such time as the developer is prepared to move on the redevelopment”.
Ms Gough said the set-up was a great way for people who might sell items at markets on a regular basis to have somewhere else to showcase their goods, without the greater expense of setting up a shop.
While she boasted of “nothing but good feedback” for the concept in its first year.
“It’s been great, especially in terms of customer growth, and seeing the foot traffic just transform.
“It’s always evolving, with people coming and going.”
Nicolas Daoud and Co Pty Ltd purchased the old Mitre 10 store, along with a former printing works and car park sites in Shoalhaven Street, for $8.5 million.
As part of the sale agreement the developer needs to submit plans within six months and receive approval within 12 months.
Council will be able to lease the existing buildings for commercial use while the design and development processes are undertaken.