Get your goods and find parking too: These brands aim to create ‘new hub’ away from congested CBD

Business owners at the newly revamped Bird Precinct, a shared space in the La Colline area, say they are excited by their unconventional choice of location, which they hope will encourage more people to venture beyond the CBD.

The industrial building opened in mid-June as a creative collaboration between three local brands: the iconic eatery SCHOON, fashion brand Mareth Colleen and The Farmer’s Daughter, a concept store set to move in before the end of the year.

The Bird Precinct is a large, warehouse-like space at 91 Bird Street that has been set aside for creatives, designers and retailers. Compared with the busy streets of Stellenbosch CBD, there is ample parking space nearby. PHOTO: Nell Hofmeyr.

However, the area has some unique benefits according to Fritz Schoon, renowned bread baker and co-owner of the eponymous café.

“Stellenbosch central has become saturated. Rentals are very high and parking is a real challenge. We chose the industrial area because it is well-located, has parking and we believe it could be the beginning of a new destination spot in Stellies,” he says.

SCROLL: The new location of the Manufactory is noticeably different from the former premises at Oude Bank on Church Street, which was known for its historical feel. According to Fritz, “the new style of décor, brand and execution symbolises the new era”. PHOTOS: Nell Hofmeyr.

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Retha Erichsen, owner of The Farmer’s Daughter, is happy that commercialism is expanding outwards and believes that right now is a great time to invest in the area.

“With the development and growth on that side, it’s going to be exciting,” she says.

“When I went there for the first time, even before stepping out of my car and into that space, it felt to me like a little bit of what Woodstock and Salt River [in Cape Town] have achieved.

“It’s great that it’s happening in our town. It’s definitely needed.”

The exterior of The Farmer’s Daughter on Dorp Street. PHOTO: Nell Hofmeyr.

The Farmer’s Daughter is a concept store that focuses primarily on gifting, décor and furniture. PHOTO: Nell Hofmeyr.

The SCHOON team discovered the location while on the lookout for a centralised production facility from which to produce for their multiple outlets in various locations.

The vision of creating a new hotspot is what inspired them to rent more space than necessary, so that they could sublet to like-minded entrepreneurs.

“We realised that more operators were looking for more affordable spaces with a bit of an edge and were willing to follow us. As soon as we put the word out that we were renting out space next to ours the right people came,” says Fritz.

A baker prepares bread dough at the SCHOON Manufactory Café. It is the centre of their operations, where all the baked goods for their various outlets are produced. This includes the café in Somerset West and their newly opened Coffee and Croissant Bar in central Stellenbosch. PHOTO: Nell Hofmeyr.

Owners Fritz and Chanelle Schoon are renowned for their artisanal breads and pastries. PHOTO: Nell Hofmeyr.

For Mareth van der Walt and Colleen Lesch, the Cape Town-based fashion duo, opening their own shop in Stellenbosch is “a dream come true”. They also believe The Bird Precinct provides residents with something fresh.

“This space will offer locals a new experience (with parking!). We also feel that as the town grows the people also do – many locals are ready for a new experience & they are very loyal towards their local suppliers.”

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Despite being out of the way, visibility is not a major concern. According to Jonathan du Toit, operations manager at the Manufactory Café, business has been booming since they opened.

“It’s been really busy, we’re doing really well. The location hasn’t been a problem at all.”

As for the future, Du Toit is optimistic.

“I would say in the next five years, you would be amazed at what’s going on here. Once there are businesses here, more people will come.”

A look at where The Bird Precinct is situated in relation to the busy Stellenbosch CBD. MAP: Nell Hofmeyr, made with Google Maps.