Businesses and sole traders are invited to submit expressions of interest to become temporary tenants at the lanterns in Hargreaves Mall with the opportunity to showcase their goods or services or host pop up events.
The lanterns were former public convenience blocks in the Mall which have been totally refitted and repurposed to become new pop up spaces for businesses and sole traders.
One lantern tenancy is available at the end of January, the other is free at the end of February.
Both lanterns have a servery window that opens onto the Mall and tenants occupying them can also make use of the immediate outside area under awnings to showcase their goods or services or host pop up events.
City of Greater Bendigo Director Strategy and Growth Steve Hamilton said the initiative was an opportunity to support small businesses recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The pop up spaces are suitable for all kinds of businesses from micro-retailers, creatives, start-ups, home-based or online ventures to fitness and wellbeing professionals who are interested in using these centrally located spaces,” Mr Hamilton said.
“Tenancies are short term, flexible and at no cost to successful applicants, and the City will provide significant logistical support.
“The activities at the lanterns will complement the existing businesses in Hargreaves Mall and these new tenants will have the opportunity to raise their profile and promote their brand, products or services or host pop up events in the heart of the city.
“Hargreaves Mall is changing, and the lanterns initiative is part of many exciting opportunities taking place including the installation of a big screen next February, construction of the new ACCOR Mantra Hotel, followed by a new shade shelter and landscaping to create a welcoming space.”
Obtaining a lantern short-term tenancy came at the right time for Libby Torney who owns Libby’s Lollygogs, a chocolate and lolly business.
“It has been an absolute blessing being able to operate the pop up to keep the business rolling and putting money back into buying more stock. I only set up in September and have already given hundreds of business cards out and it is great having a presence in the city centre. I’m building my customer base and getting a lot of great feedback in the Mall about my products,” Ms Torney said.
Mae Collado was looking for a central location to help her family-owned IT business Mae and Jose.
“We were running our business from home, but it was hard with the COVID-19 pandemic. The stress of finding a retail space and not being able to open was difficult to figure out so we were seeking a short-term tenancy,” Ms Collado said.
“The pop up at the Mall has really helped our business because of its central location and it is easy to find. We also get a lot of foot traffic with people stopping by wondering what we do and then seeking our service.
“The location and accessibility are perfect for our clients as there’s lot of parking in the city centre. If our clients are required to leave their device with us, they can go off and do errands or get some lunch so there are things for them to do while they wait.”
To apply for a free short-term tenancy, contact City Activation Officer Michele Bauer on 5434 6000.
