Kiama’s small business co-op will soon transition to new surrounds – the former Mitre 10 site in Terralong Street –and boast a new name.
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Last year, Emily Gough opened a small business co-op in the old Kiama Furniture building in Collins Street.
The Kiama Pop-Up Co-Op features an eclectic array of small businesses and artists setting up their wares all under one roof.
The co-op currently features more than 20 operators.
Ms Gough said their current location was temporary, and would soon be relocating to the former Mitre 10 site.
Kiama Mayor Brian Petschler said at their August meeting, Kiama council resolved in confidential session to agree to enter a lease for ten months for the former Mitre 10 site, “with options on a monthly basis thereafter, until such time as the developer is prepared to move on the redevelopment”.
Council recently approved the sale of former printing works and car park sites in Shoalhaven Street and former Mitre 10 store in Terralong Street.
Council agreed to the sale to Nicolas Daoud and Co Pty Ltd for $8.5 million.
As part of the sale agreement the developer must submit development 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.
Ms Gough said their new site would offer more space, having room for up to 32 operators.
Their lease in Terralong Street begins on October 1, with an official opening slated for October 8.
Ms Gough said the lease for their current premises ends on December 31, meaning for a three-month period they would be at both locations while the transition occurs.
The new Terralong Street business will also be rechristened ‘The Collective Kiama’.
Ms Gough said a lot of the current operators would relocate to the new space.
“It allows us to grow, being centrally located in the main street,” she said.
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.
Sellers aren’t locked into a contact, instead working month-to-month.
A little more than a year since opening, Ms Gough said there had been “nothing but good feedback” for the concept.
“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.”
Visit the Co-Op’s Facebook page for more details.
