COMMUNE TAKES OVER GOULD’S BOOKSTORE
HAVING saved it from being made into apartments, the new owners of the old Gould’s bookshop building — a King St institution — want people to visit them and tell them what building should be used for. Initial ideas include a live music venue, a cafe, or a comedy club.
THERE was a collective sigh of relief across the inner west when COMMUNE took possession of the old Gould’s bookshop this month, saving the King St institution from being redeveloped into apartments.
But what is COMMUNE and what are they planning for the labyrinthine 1000sq m space?
Founder Sam Ali doesn’t shy away from describing COMMUNE as a business, which started with a co-working space in Erksineville six years ago with the aim of bringing people together to collaborate and network.
Their five member team has continued to build on that underlying ethos through their 4000sq m event space in Waterloo. The huge warehouse caters to Sydney’s creative community and hosts studios, workshops, yoga as well as Middle Eastern, vegan and maker markets.
Their spaces are also available for corporate events and private clients while their co-worker space are another revenue stream, providing a cash flow for COMMUNE to celebrate and foster charities and community groups.
“I see it as a social enterprise where profits aren’t at the forefront but you still have to pay your rent, bills and your staff,” Mr Ali said.
“I’m a commercial graphic designer and photographer myself so I’ve always come from that background of having to balance commercial work with the sort stuff you want to be doing.”
Commune, which does not rely on any government funding, provides a “platform to bring people together whether it’s artists, foodies or local businesses.”
Mr Ali has invited the community to visit the old bookshop and share their ideas on what they want the space to be used for. Suggestions have include a live music venue, cafe and comedy club.
Mr Ali is keeping an open mind but there will most likely be a “hospitality component”.
“Literally hundreds of people have come in to share their ideas and they’ve been so excited it will be a community space because people have become so disillusioned about what has happened around development in Sydney.”
The old bookshop, at 32 King St, was a sight to behold last week as people rummaged through mountains of books and records on sale for $1 and $5, respectively, until September 30 when it will close for renovations.
Gould’s has moved to 536 King St.
