Are you ready to move your business idea to a retail store?
Expressions of Interest have reopened for the Renew Fitzroy Street project, which is a Renew Australia Initiative.
Renew Australia works with property owners, traders and local stakeholders to increase foot traffic and bring activity to Fitzroy Street, St Kilda. This project sits alongside the commercial leasing process and will improve the look of vacant property and reduce the chance of vandalism.
The Renew Fitzroy Street was launched in September 2020 and to date has given commercial opportunities to 20 creatives and their fledgling businesses.
New shops are being made available to the project on a rent-free or low-cost basis. We’re looking for creative businesses, makers, start-ups, social enterprises who are ready to take the leap and operate out of a commercial space.
“Renew Fitzroy Street has become a project that has created a micro-community amongst the greater precinct community. The RFS businesses have established engagement with many local traders via collaboration as well as leveraging collectively to encourage foot traffic back to the street.
As a measure of its success, the initial pilot program is now in its second year looking towards a third year activation. The local community has embraced RFS with open arms, and likewise our program opens its own arms back with enormous gratitude to our stakeholders and the wider community that continues to breathe the essence that is uniquely St Kilda.”
Mish Eisen, Renew Fitzroy Street Project Manager, Renew Australia
Who can apply?
Renew Australia has an evaluation team who look at all Expressions of Interest and match participants and projects to suitable properties. We’re looking for applicants who have a genuine interest and knowledge of the St Kilda precinct and will compliment, not compete with, other businesses on Fitzroy Street.
Applicants can be:
- from STEAM fields – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics
- not-for-profit social enterprises.
- artists and makers
- designers
- community groups
- technicians, and more.
It’s essential that you create your own IP, and that your business or idea will generate activity and interest in the precinct.
Join Renew Fitzroy Street and kickstart your business ideas in a commercial space in St Kilda, benefit from the foot traffic, and be part of a wonderful and supportive collective of participants and locals.
Please note that some shops may require our participants to pay a small contribution towards outgoing costs.
Click here to fill out your Expression of Interest.
Click here to read about the project and our family of Renew Fitzroy Street participants.
Renew Fitzroy Street is funded by Port Phillip Council and the Fitzroy Street Business Association.