There is a new community space recently opened on Norton Street, and yes, it’s a bank and it’s called the Branch of the Future.
Bendigo Bank are offering businesses Free Retail Pop-Up Space where local businesses such as creatives and makers can utilise the space free for a two-week period. There is also a Community Space available to utilise from October 2019. The indoor community space is available to book between 6pm – 9pm on weeknight and is equipped with a projector, Wi-Fi, tables and chairs and the outdoor space (community garden) will be available to rent later in the year (approx. Nov 2019). The spaces can be booked for meetings, workshops and small events and are free to hire for not for profits and community groups. Planter boxes have been put outside the branch to be painted and decorated by local community groups and charities to raise awareness and provide colour to the front of the branch.
The bank has connected with local artists and offers a small gallery wall located within the branch where the branch to display three artworks (paintings/photographic works/etchings/prints). Additionally, local Sydney artist Shannon Crees has been commissioned to paint the indoor/outdoor mural artwork. As an accomplished international artist, Shannon creates works on canvas and paints large scale murals both locally and internationally. Crees was the only Australian artist included in the high-profile line up of ‘the best graffiti artists in the world’ at ‘Banksy’s Cans Festival 2’ in London.
Leichhardt branch will be open from 9:30am – 5pm Monday to Friday
Address: Shop 1, 51 Norton St, Leichhardt