Just as a place is only as good as the people you are with, a project is only as good as the people you collaborate with, which makes The Richmond Weekender top shelf.

Devised by the team at Right Angle Studio, The Richmond Weekender is a month-long program of events, food and general conviviality in Melbourne’s former Channel Nine Studios, situated in the leafy city-fringe suburb of Richmond.

Interior architects Foolscap Studio were enlisted to work with the building’s industrial framework and transform it into a polished yet friendly restaurant, beer garden and event space in a record amount of time.

The opening weekend featured the launch of Graham Canteen a southern BBQ-style culinary concept (called Fancy Hank’s) only open on weekends and a Homemaker’s Market, where local stallholders peddled a range of books, ceramics, textiles, foodstuff and homeware. Starting next Saturday is the Speakeasy Cinema, which has curated a program of documentary films aimed to connect with locals and draw a new crowd into the space. On the project’s completion the space will transform, once again, into an assortment of 34 heritage apartments and townhouses.

The Richmond Weekender breathes new life into an old building and facilitates a sense of community. It highlights the growing trend towards ‘place making’ – establishing meaningful local connections and adding to the community via brand-building exercises.

Images: Martina Gemmola