MADE on Watton to open its doors next week

A new pop-up retail space in the heart of the Werribee City Centre will give a leg up to the local makers, artists and designers hit hard by COVID-19.  

From 21st January, the MADE on Watton pilot project will transform a vacant tenancy at 90 Watton Street into a curated, market-style experience featuring original, high-quality handmade textiles, stationery, ceramics, homewares and jewellery.  

The pop-up shop, which will run each Thursday to Sunday over the next three months, will have a rotating line-up of stallholders to keep the offering fresh and exciting.

Wyndham City Mayor Adele Hegedich said as well as supporting local creatives, MADE on Watton was part of Council’s recovery efforts to bring people back to the Werribee City Centre, activate our retail spaces and keep local jobs.

“We know that our local creative industry has done it tough over the past year and it has been particularly challenging for those emerging artists and designers who would normally do their businesses through markets and stalls,” Cr Hegedich said.  

“MADE is an exciting and innovative pop-up space that will put the spotlight on our amazing local designers and makers this summer and will also give shoppers a unique experience where they can meet and buy direct from the source.”

“There’s never been a more important time to shop local and MADE on Watton does the hard work for shoppers by bringing together these creatives under one roof.”  

Wyndham City Creative City portfolio holder, Councillor Marcel Mahfoud, added: “For every $100 spent in the local economy, $67.16 stays in Wyndham. If you shop online from a non-Wyndham retailer only $4.17 stays here.”

“This short-term activation is making the most of a space not otherwise being used to support our local designers and makers, boost our local economy, keep local jobs and activate the Werribee City Centre as we work to recover from the impacts of COVID-19.”

“Stallholders will change over every two weeks, so if you see something you like be sure to get in quick – and make sure you revisit to discover new designs and creations.”

“Please note, MADE on Watton will be a cashless store, and will accept payment via debit and credit cards.”

Cr Mahfoud said MADE on Watton draws on similar successful models in Newcastle and Adelaide.  

“Council is very keen to support, cultivate and advance the creative industries in Wyndham. Short-term pilots such as MADE on Watton are excellent ways to test and trial initiatives to see if the industry and the community want to see more,” Cr Mahfoud said.

Applications are still open for stallholders wanting to showcase their works in March.    

For more information, including shop opening times and the stallholder application form, go to www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/madeonwatton    

*NOTE: Interviews and photo opportunities with stallholders can be arranged upon request