General News
2 March, 2024
Build on vibe that creates destination
Sir, I read the article Destination Brooke Street (Loddon Herald, February 15) with great interest, as Brooke Street, with its mix of antique and collectables shops adding to the ambience of the said st, was in fact a major drawcard for myself...
Sir, I read the article Destination Brooke Street (Loddon Herald, February 15) with great interest, as Brooke Street, with its mix of antique and collectables shops adding to the ambience of the said st, was in fact a major drawcard for myself whilst looking to relocate in 2019.
The streetscape was enhanced with the wares and displays out front, the lovely and carefully thought window displays, the traders themselves were wonderful to talk with, and it just had a good feeling to walk and look/admire – the seasonal grapevines added another touch of nostalgia and glimpse into the past of the town.
So it was with heavy heart I read of the Fusspots closure to retail sales- this will make a big gap in the stroll down the street.
As the ruling regarding access/handicapped manoeuvring is a Federal law, I believe another decision could’ve been made to stay open to the public here in Inglewood – allowing all to still be proud of our eclectic mix in the many open shopfronts.
The potted flowers on the window sills, placed daily outside Fusspots, at the least added colour, cheer and declared an “open” status.
Surely this could’ve been added to with wall mounted signage/ware, or same hanging from the verandah eaves or similar, not positioned on the actual footpath – and i am sure there could’ve been other ways to express the open status of the shop without blocking/interupting flow of the footpath and its traffic. But it was with a sharp intake of breath i read the – to my mind – ludicrous statement by Cr Wendy Murphy stating Inglewood could be turned into a foodie strip.
Thankfully we have two food outlet options operating at night (the hotel and the fish and chippery), but an extra establishment added could offer Asian/Mediterranean/Fusion/Tapas style food options. this would benefit both locals and the travellers – especially during an extended visit and stay here in inglewood and surrounds. I suggest only one extra establishment, meaning all three could still be viable to operate, with good, strong competition – not cutthroat. meaning all three businesses could survive, and the owners compensated relatively well for their services, even during the quieter, non touristy times.
Most towns have food outlets a’plenty. Inglewood has something more unique and eclectic and appealing with our mix of galleries, antique and collectable shops, and our current food outlets, for people to both meander through and around, enjoying, talking and hopefully purchasing ... food outlets only make for a stop of the car, a choice, followed by a departure – meaning little of our glorious, quaint and different town and surrounds are seen by travellers – nor do they learn of our place in the gold era and of our history.
And, without a flood of openings, all traders hopefully can make a living, and enjoy being part of the attractions of the town. Thinking outside the box, Cr Murphy, not following along with the flow is the the only way foward, I believe – as Fusspots owners have decided to do and to which you applauded.
We have a mini-Castlemaine type vibe here, sans hustle and bustle and size and I feel we should embrace and build upon that to keep Inglewood as a destination, or as a relaxed stopover – not just a drive through, or stop, eat and leave town.
My thoughts only, but, yes, I am concerned for the town I now call home.
Adrienne Mackintosh