Big hART to develop $5.9m for ‘artisan social enterprise’ at Wynyard

An arts and social justice company is set to turn a parcel of land in an industrial area into an ‘enterprise and incubation hub.’ The details.

L-R - Ella Ralston, Emily Shires, Rennikah Edwards, Angel Beltane. Big hART welcomes the announcement of State Government funding support for Project O, our inspiring initiative for young women which began in 2015. Must Credit : Heath Holden

A warehouse in an industrial area is set to be turned into an “artisan social enterprise”.

Big hART has submitted a development application for the project to the Waratah-Wynyard Council.

The Tasmanian arts and social justice company is set to spend $5.9m to develop the site at 26 Calder Road at Wynyard.

Big hART Tasmania State Manager Angela Prior said Artisan was “a social enterprise and incubation hub.”

“Artisan helps rebuild disappearing skills and trades and supports emerging careers,” Ms Prior said

“It takes a regional development approach to support local artisans and specialty skills, such as shipwrights, stone masons, blacksmiths, timber crafts, horticulture, digital design and skateboards.

“Each business is supported onsite until they are viable.

“In exchange for residency, the skilled artisans on-site provide mentored opportunities for local young people.”

12-10-17 - Scott Rankin pictured in Surry Hills for a Review profile. Scott is the creative director of Big hART. Ryan Osland/The Australian

Ms Prior said Artisan was “community-centred.”

“It responds to a local desire for lifelong learning and generating new opportunities for people-centred work.

“It takes into account the existing strengths of our community and provides an opportunity for the resident business owners to grow, build the skills necessary to sustain business, and to reciprocate the opportunity by passing those skills and opportunities on to others within the North West Tasmanian community.”

The $5.9m project is expected to be operational by June 2026.

Once complete, the site at Wynyard is anticipated to include “land, a large industrial shed, workshop spaces, a residence, greenhouses and gardens.”

In its business case, which was provided as part of its development application, Big hART said it was providing a valuable service in a struggling area.

“It responds to a local desire for lifelong learning and generating new opportunities for people-centred work,” the company said.

“It takes into account the existing strengths of our community and provides an opportunity for the resident business owners to grow, build the skills necessary to sustain business, and to reciprocate the opportunity by passing those skills and opportunities on to others within the North West Tasmanian community.”