Former Kingswood corner store to be converted into cafe by Mitcham councillor

AN old corner shop that for decades served the Kingswood community will soon have a new life as a cafe.

Mitcham councillor Nick Economos in front of the building that he is planning to convert into a cafe, at the corner of East Parade and Tutt St. Picture: AAP/Morgan Sette

AN OLD corner shop that for decades served the Kingswood community will soon have a new life as a cafe.

East Parade resident Nicholas Economos — also a Mitcham councillor — has been given the green light by Mitcham’s development panel to turn part of his home into a coffee shop.

Mr Economos has undertaken major renovations on the property since buying it in 2001 and used the corner shop, attached to his house, as a legal office from 2006 to 2013.

He has not worked since closing the office and last week said he was ready for a career change “serving locals”.

He believed a cafe would honour the building’s heritage.

Mitcham councillor Nick Economos is planning to convert the old corner shop, pictured behind him that attached to his house into a cafe in Adelaide. (AAP Image/Morgan Sette)

“Since the early 1900s, it has always been a corner shop, servicing the local community with horse and cart,” Mr Economos said.

“In fact, the horse stables were in our garden and we continually find horse shoes.

“It’s been quite an iconic corner and for years locals growing up here remember the delivery of fruit and groceries to them.

“My late father ran the Gays Arcade Cafe (in the city) for many years and it’s continuing the family tradition in his memory.”

He said he had received “overwhelming” support from the community since raising the idea.

Eight neighbours put submissions to the council on the plan — two of those raising concerns about increased traffic and noise.

A report by Mitcham planning and development officer Marc Duncan said the cafe would be frequented most during “during school drop-off or pick-up” from nearby St Joseph’s Primary or at times when there was little traffic.

It also said use of the corner shop as a cafe would be beneficial for “the conservation of its cultural significance”.

Mr Economos hoped to open the cafe before winter.