For five years, the old Bulli timber mill has been quietly operating as an eclectic creative hub, with dozens of northern suburb's artisans operating out of its studios and art spaces.
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But this weekend, the Molloy Street warehouse - Timbermill Studios - will realise a long-held plan to establish a cafe onsite, as Thirroul bar and restaurant Jose Jones opens its second outlet.
Sydney gallery owner Joe McGuinness bought the old mill from Austrian-born cabinetmaker Gunter Grafenauer in 2012.
Mr Grafenauer operated Molloy Timber with his wife, Pamela, for 38 years, hanging up his tool belt in March 2013.
This marked the end of more than a century of sawmilling in Wollongong's northern suburbs - but not the end of the timber mill's place as a home for craftspeople.
Mr Grafenauer migrated from Austria where he had learnt his craft by restoring antiques and palace doors that were destroyed during World War II. He bought the mill in 1975 from the Molloy family, who opened a steam-driven sawmill called Molloy Brothers in the early 1900s.
In the first few years of operation, Molloy Brothers' timber was delivered from the top of Bulli Pass by bullock wagon.
The timber business boomed in the late 1970s and into the '80s, but was stymied by the 1990 recession.
For the last 20 years operating the mill, the Grafenauers ran popular woodworking classes, teaching hundreds of Illawarra people to craft beautiful furniture and children's toys to their meticulous standards.
Mr McGuinness transformed Timber Mill Studios six years ago, when he acquired the property after running a similar space in Sydney for 15 years.
“We spent our time making studios and all the different spaces," he said.
“There are 32 tennants now. Everything from kiln spaces out the back to what I call production studios for things like screen printing and heavy sculpture.
“There are painting studios upstairs with photography at the front.
“In the middle we have some design studios for graphic artists and computer-based businesses.
“There are also warehouse spaces for homewares and fashion.”
The realisation of the studio’s full potential will be on full display at an open day and expo this long weekend, which also marks the grand opening of the Timbermill Cafe.
The new cafe is the second joint venture for Joe McGuinness and chef Jamien Bannister.
“Joe always knew he wanted to add a social and dining function to the Timbermill mix,” a spokeswoman for Timbermill Studios said.
“But it's taken time to find the right partner to team up with.
“When Joe met Jamien and created Jose Jones, he knew Jamein would be perfect for the Timbermill.”
Starting on Saturday at 10am, visitors can wander around or take a tour to meet the artists, see open studios, watch live painting, take part in workshops and shop.
Timber Mill Studios in Molloy Street is located near Woolworths and the start of the Northern Distributor.
With Greg Ellis
Timber Mill residents include:
- Renee Kamaretsos Art
- Artist Hollyeva
- Pretty Eclectic
- Coyne and Co. Design
- Podcast Producer Jennifer Macey
- Thirroul Woodcraft
- IKKE Textile Design & Print
- Lisa Barry Art
