They join the four shops whose businesses have been thriving since Renew Fitzroy Street launched around three months ago. (One of these shops is home to three enterprises: a visual artist, florist and a fibre artist).
The new arrivals officially opening their doors on 1 July are:
Shop 107: Art @ The Thomas (local artists' collective which runs regularly rotating exhibitions)
Shop 52: Domestic Fantasies (vintage homewares and furniture)
Shop 6/63 PluginHUMAN (illumination and immersive art by award-winning duo Dr Betty Sargeant and Justin Dwyer).
Under the program, landlords donate vacant shops to up-and-coming traders, with a rolling 30-day rent-free licences negotiated by Renew Australia. This gives the temporary traders time to test new ideas for a commercial market without committing to a lengthy commercial lease agreement.
Port Phillip Council contributed $75,000 to the project, with matching funding provided by the Fitzroy Street Business Association (FSBA).
Mayor Louise Crawford said she was impressed by the services and products offered by the first Renew shops, ranging from goat milk products to living art pieces and streetwear. The shops have all added to their product lines with forthcoming workshops including floral arrangements, macramé and living art pieces.
"This is about complementing, not competing against, existing Fitzroy Street traders. It's exciting to celebrate these enterprises and welcome new businesses to our street - and City, Cr Crawford said.
"Creativity and a collective approach are the secrets to this continuing success. Participants are evaluated on the quality and 'precinct-fit' of their offer to suit this high-profile destination. Mentors from Renew and Council networks are readily available to provide business advice and the participants are also creating their own strong community network."
"Renew Australia CEO Angela Simons said: "It's great to see locals coming down to support these new creative businesses and the broader community of Fitzroy Street. We extend the invitation to other property owners and agents on Fitzroy Street to reach out to our local Project Manager if they are interested in
joining."
Fitzroy Street Business Association President David Blakely said the additional businesses will encourage even more vibrancy and visitation. "Renew has already impacted how the street is perceived by visitors and traders alike with lots of positivity around Fitzroy Street."
