Old Toowoomba CBD building set to be converted into yoga studio
An old Toowoomba CBD building is set to be given a new lease on life as a yoga studio. Here’s everything you need to know.
Business
Don't miss out on the headlines from Business. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AFTER her industry was completely shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic earlier this year, Amy Pattison decided to do what few others were considering and start her own business.
“I still pinch myself, it still doesn’t feel quite real,” the experienced yoga instructor said.
“It (seems) kind of counterintuitive when you’re in an industry that’s not allowed to operate.”
The owner of Antara Studios is excited about her future and that of the Toowoomba CBD, after buying a beautiful old building north of the city centre on Ruthven St near Chalk Dr to create a two-storey, purpose-built yoga and pilates space.
Mrs Pattison realised the opportunity when she started teaching yoga classes again inside Rumours International, after the initial industry shutdown was lifted.
“People had to find other ways of doing things (during the shutdown), so I became a walker and ran into other people I would see at the other studio and they were desperate to do classes,” she said.
“We could only have 20 people in a class at a time (at Rumours due to restrictions), and I had wait lists, so it was all the push I needed.”
Lavish Constructions are now working to turn the old building into a specialised yoga studio, which will host several classes over two levels.
While she knows the risks involved, Mrs Pattison said she had high hopes for the northern end of the CBD.
“This building is a beautiful old structure – it’s got the character, it’s got the space,” she said.
“It’s a bit gutsy, and it terrifies me as much as it excites me.
“I think what’s happening in this part of the CBD is really exciting for Toowoomba.
“This section from here to Bridge St is going to explode soon.”
Mrs Pattison said she hoped to be open in a few months.
For more information, find Antara Studios on Facebook.