By JONATHON HOWARD
NOOSA Junction businesses have had a tough start to 2014, but the tide is beginning to turn following a raft of announcements this week.
Five new businesses are set to open in vacant spaces and the Junction will also host monthly artesan markets.
There are now 16 vacant lots for lease, which was down from 27 only a month ago.
The new business interest follows a range of inquiries through commercial real estate agents Raywhite Commercial, Hindmarsh Properties and L J Hooker.
Over the next few weeks, Junction visitors will see a new bread shop, micro brewery, Korean restaurant and more.
Noosa Junction Association acting chair and Junction business owner Sue Pollard, said the monthly markets will go ahead on the first Friday of each month.
“The first markets for the Junction is likely to start in October, and continue every month after that,” she said.
“We’re really keen to get everyone down to support the Junction and we’re closing Arcadia Street off to traffic, to make it even better.”
Ms Pollard said the Junction monthly markets were something customers enjoyed and expected.
“We see other major shopping centres hosting regular markets and we thought it would be a perfect fit for the Junction,” she said.
“We’re expecting a minimum of 60 stalls and hoping for about 1500 to 2000 visitors.”
Ms Pollard said it had been difficult to unite the Junction business community, but she sees a positive future ahead.
Meanwhile, Noosa 5 Cinemas is in the process of changing to BCC (Birch Carroll and Coyle) Noosa Cinemas.
Noosa 5 Cinema manager Dan Spencer said nothing was changing except for the look.
“While we modernise our logos and upgrade our exterior, we’re still the same friendly staff offering you the same familiar, professional service you’re used to,” he said.
