There’s a village vibe to the collective hub taking shape under new ownership at Frederickton’s Old Cheese Factory.
A thoughtfully curated mix of riverside gatherings, regional produce markets, creative spaces and bespoke businesses, it gives a feeling of belonging to something really special.
It’s a passion project for Meg and Tom Reid to re-imagine this iconic slice of local history in a way that connects locals with community, creativity and hospitality, building on what they’ve achieved with popular local eatery and wedding venue, The Garden Bar & Kitchen, since 2019.
“We see so much potential for this place to become a destination experience unique to Frederickton, giving locals more to enjoy and making this very special corner of the world all the more memorable for visitors,” Meg said.
“It has a special place in our hearts. We were married here and have family roots here. Close-knit community was a big part of the appeal of raising our young family in the area and became the cornerstone of our business model.”
It’s that sense of belonging to something special that Meg and Tom want people to feel when they connect with local artisans and small business owners at The Old Cheese Factory Collective.
“We’ve made such great connections over the past 7 years with our Garden Bar & Kitchen and Frederickton Weddings that local business collaborations are coming together quite naturally,” Tom said.
“Having Mimi’s Coffee out front of the old factory has been a real draw card with their loyal following attracting other start-ups in.”
A community of creatives is coming together. Hair stylists, beauty specialists and artisan craftsmen, with an art gallery and farmers market also in the works.
“Recent times have been tough going for business owners and this place has been so good to us starting out in hospitality that we want to now give other local entrepreneurs a head-start as part of this hub,” Tom said.
Throughout the year, the site will be activated by live music, from The Radiators to a Fleetwood Mac show, and the annual Macleay Valley Fashion Show which Meg and Tom say promises to be even bigger and better this year as creatives from the collective get involved.
With so many new experiences to look forward to at The Old Cheese Factory, renovations are under way to highlight and preserve its heritage charm.
“Here’s a claim to fame, in its day, this beautiful old building was the primary producer of Mozzarella Cheese for Pizza Hut and in the 1940’s won awards for its signature Blue Vein Camembert style,” Meg said.
“We’re installing a timeline plaque for people to see what it was all about back in the late 1800’s, so appreciation of our unique local history is never lost.”
The site is conveniently located just seconds off the main highway that Meg and Tom want it to become widely known as a must-do destination for passing traffic and visitors to the region. Wayfinding signage is in the making.
“We’ve loved getting to know our regulars and that circle just keeps growing as the collective blooms,” Meg said.
“It’s early days for us with a lot more still to come and we can’t wait to see where this is going to take us all in years to come.”
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