Darren Coyne
The new owners of the former Nimbin Museum site and associated shops will meet with staff at the Lismore City Council tomorrow.
Dr Simon Rose and his business partner David Piesse purchased the land in December for $500,000 from Sydney businessman Richard Andary.
Dr Rose has been visiting the area and speaking with locals about the plans for the fire-damaged site.
Dr Rose said the first stage of the redevelopment was likely to cost around $750,000.
He said the first priority for the 1350sqm site was to rebuild the Cullen St frontage, which would include two or three shops where the Nimbin museum, Bringabong and Tribal Magic shops once stood.
Bringabong has since relocated to the old Candle Factory site at the western entrance to Nimbin.
‘In stage one we are hoping to replace the shops at the front and maybe add a couple down the side of the walkway.
He said the proposed plans for the site would create a ‘focal point’ for the village.
‘We’ve tried to include everyone,’ he said.
The new owners have also been in negotiations with the Tuntable Falls community (owners of the Rainbow Café site) to create the communal market space.
‘We want to provide amenities for locals, with low cost retail space for markets,’ Dr Rose said.
He said the plans included a community market with craft stalls, and rear gardens with a busking entertainment space.
‘We’re trying to create a focal point for people in the heart of Nimbin,’ he said.
At the rear of the new shops the new owners are hoping to establish an Indigenous garden, along with an entertainment area with tables and chairs.
Dr Rose said the third stage of the redevelopment plans would involve providing some backpacker accommodation on the site.
Among Dr Rose’s previous development projects was the Federal general store, which has a thriving cafe next door. He is also building a 28-unit apartment complex in inner Melbourne.
