The Clothing Store at North Eveleigh will be activated as a new temporary arts and creative, community-focused facility under an exciting partnership between UrbanGrowth NSW and Carriageworks.
An agreement between the two organisations was signed in November to use the Clothing Store as a unique collaborative community space open to a range of partners. Initially, the building will be used by Carriageworks for 12 months, while long term uses continue to be explored.
UrbanGrowth NSW is leading the renewal of the North Eveleigh precinct in the Central to Eveleigh corridor, including lands around the Clothing Store, located adjacent to Carriageworks.
“Carriageworks is well-recognised by local communities and cultural groups in the area, and this new partnership will provide opportunities for the local people to take part in arts and cultural activities that reflect the area’s rich culture and history,” said North Eveleigh Program Director Duncan Read.
“We are excited to work with Carriageworks to activate this important heritage building given their track record of delivering dynamic arts and cultural programs that support artists and other cultural organisations within the precinct.”
“UrbanGrowth NSW is committed to creating community facilities that recognise and celebrate the unique history and contemporary nature of this important part of Sydney.”
Carriageworks Director Lisa Havilah said: “We are excited to be partnering with UrbanGrowth NSW to provide space for artists to make work, opportunities for the community to engage with arts and culture and extend our collaboration with local communities.”
Built in 1913, the Clothing Store is part of the historic Eveleigh Railway Workshops that includes Carriageworks and Australian Technology Park.
Carriageworks will open the Clothing Store in early 2017 and will publically call for expressions of interest for artists to participate in a subsidised studio program and deliver workshops for the community. Space will also be provided for creative industry use and community meeting places.
The long term uses and ownership of Clothing Store are not decided, but it is anticipated the activation will help inform ideas for future uses.
The building is owned by RailCorp and licenced to UrbanGrowth NSW Development Corporation for three years.