Shopfronts are being reinvigorated on High Street, Northcote and Thornbury, thanks to an innovative project called Active Spaces in Darebin.
Darebin Mayor Tim Laurence said the Active Spaces program had been successful at reactivating and reinvigorating vacant shops and strips across the municipality.
“Pop up shops placed by Council within these vacant tenancies reveal the retail spaces as the active, vibrant places they are intended to be – and it helps give potential tenants a true indication of what is possible within the spaces.”
The Council initiative has recently seen a number of vacant retail spaces turned into pop up shops and art displays.
Councillor Laurence said vacant shops created a negative perception and were disheartening to the community, shoppers and business owners.
“This trial project provides an opportunity for property owners to earn a small rent while waiting to find a long-term tenant. The shops are cleaned up and transformed into new, inviting spaces.”
The program began with four previously long-term vacant shops, which have since displayed art created by 30 local artists and designers.
A collective of three designers, known as Offshoot, occupied the first pop up shop in the Active Spaces program. Located at 217 High Street Northcote,
Offshoot sold a range of dresses, shirts and skirts, all handmade in Darebin.
The property has now successfully found a long-term tenant in local business The Friendship Tree.
Owner of 217 High Street Martin Camilleri said it was a win/win situation.
“The pop up shop offers an opportunity to establish and test a new business initiative while showcasing the property for potential long-term lease arrangements.”
One of the first artists to be involved in the Active Spaces program was Warren Lane, who recently won the 2013 Bald Archy prize for his controversial portrait of Gina Rinehart.
Sixteen further small pop up arts businesses are on a Council waiting list for a suitable retail space in Darebin.
Council is currently in talks with a number of real estate agents and property owners to secure further sites appropriate for the Active Spaces program.
