IN the style of Sesame Street, the question you may want to ask in a few weeks’ time is simply who are the people in the neighbourhood?
You’ll be asking the question because you have just seen a new business called the Neighbourhood open its doors.
The Neighbourhood is a not-for-profit initiative by Ipswich Connect and their latest venture will be housed in the former Cosmic Music shop just down from the city newsagency in the Nicholas Street CBD Mall.
The Neighbourhood will house four businesses in one. A small Oikos Café outlet at the front, a three chair Cornerstone Barbers in the middle and a large gym in the rear areas.
The fourth business involves casual hot desk office spaces and a boardroom which can be leased out on a casual basis.
Project manager Luke Montgomery has been working on the project for almost a year.
“The theme for the Neighbourhood is passing on good things and that’s how we’d like to see it,” he said.
“We want to become a meeting place for people, particularly troubled youth.
“This will be a welcoming place providing creative pathways and opportunities, where young people will be surrounded by good community.
“A community that can mentor and pass on life lessons.”
The Neighbourhood will be offering gym scholarships and support programs as they progress.
Firstly, they need to finish their fit out which has been helped by strong local business support.
“Bright Spark Electrical have been tremendous and their workers are regularly calling in to help us,” Luke said.
“Also, we have many mum and dad supporters making small regular contributions which has enabled us to get as far as have. We are still seeking more donations as we need to finish off the facilities for our gym.”
