Oxford Street overhaul

Creative juices have certainly been flowing at the offices of Clover Moore MP over the last few months. Just as the much-hyped fleet of food trucks hits the city’s streets, the lower end of Oxford Street will receive a total overhaul in the vein of the Renew Newcastle and The Rocks Pop-Up projects.

When Time Out strolled by just before going to print on this issue, the retail space at 70 Oxford Street had been completely gutted and a wooden sign had been placed in the window that read: 'Get your meatballs at Ikea; get your furniture at HMSM.’ The new industrial look was complimented by beautiful furniture and artworks that were starting to fill the space.

It turns out the new tenant at number 70 is the He Made She Made concept gallery, a collective that showcases the work of under-represented up-and-coming local designers. Number 58, a few doors down, will also showcase pieces by local designers. Alex De Bonis and Louise Helliwell, graphic designers and the ladies responsible for the awesome Tough Titties blog, have taken up the six-month rolling lease. At the Oxford Street Design Store they’ll be selling limited edition products from artists and groups including illustrator Forgotten Fancies, letterpress collective the Hungry Workshop, and object design label Page Thirty Three.

These design hubs are just two of the 15 new additions to the strip. Cycling collective Homework, Queer Screen, Music NSW and Sydney Guild have also moved in to the precinct on rolling reduced rate leases to inject a little extra creative and collaborative energy into the area.

It seems the festive air on Oxford Street will linger long after the Mardi Gras parade has shimmied past.

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