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Op shop rebuild: Out with the old and in with the new

 

 

thumbnail 8 MF-StJohnsclose copy-610JULIA WADE

With the doors now closed on one of the area’s most popular and iconic op-shopping spots, St John have opened the proverbial window to becoming brand-new.

In recent weeks St John has confirmed that their early 1900’s Moir Street building, which officially closed on April 17, will be replaced with a more contemporary structure at the same site, providing more room for retail as well as increased space for sorting and storing public donations, St John Bream Bay Area Committee member Bart de Ruiter says.

“After running the store successfully for several years from the current establishment, compliance issues have resulted in the tough investment decision to replace the old building, which is essentially a residential house, and associated outbuildings with one modern building,” he says.

“Unfortunately, a suitable alternative site to trade from has not been found, so the store will be closed for this period, although a pop-up presence at local markets remains a possibility.”

Initially, the St John store was set up to raise funds for the new Mangawhai ambulance station and continues to support the charitable community health services St John provides locally, ‘to help residents live stronger, more resilient lives’, de Ruiter says.

“St John would like to thank all donors, customers, paid and volunteer staff for their support over the years, and we look forward to welcoming everyone into our new building before the end of the year.”

The current buildings are expected to be removed in May followed by site preparations and construction of the new store, with completion anticipated in late November.

St John Mangawhai store manager, Frances Kennelly, says while it is sad to not have the store operating for six months, ‘the prospect of a purpose-built building to accommodate everyone under the same roof’ is exciting for herself and the large team of volunteers.

“We are looking forward to it… meanwhile we’re exploring the idea of a pop-up presence at the Mangawhai Markets on Saturdays and garage sales where possible. If the public would like to donate certain items, including jewellery,

crystal, fine bone china, collectibles, pottery, new items, handbags etcetera, they can contact me to arrange for collection, and if they can hold on to their donations like summer clothing, shoes, and bric-a-brac until we reopen, that would be much appreciated,” she says. “We would sincerely like to thank the Mangawhai community for their incredible support and generosity over the years and look forward to welcoming everyone into the new shop come November.”

n To donate, please contact Frances Kennelly directly on 0272472921.

 

St John Mangawhai store manager, Frances Kennelly (far right) and her band of merry volunteers. “It was sad closing the doors on Saturday, it's incredible how many people came to the shop and were upset it was going to be closed for so long saying comments like ‘what am I going to do with myself while the shop is closed, it's my favourite op shop’ and so on. Many thanks for all your support over the years, it means a lot… watch this space, it's a new beginning for all of us.” PHOTO/JULIA WADE

 

“We look forward to welcoming everyone into our new building before the end of the year.”


 
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