There’s a growing creative vibe in Port Kembla, with live music, little galleries and eclectic shops like Yakka – a record store/deli/bottle-o – adding quirky character to Wentworth Street.

Yakka is the streetfront enterprise at a collective space called Creative On Wentworth (COW) in a building owned by the Offord family from Helensburgh, owners of HBP+ Storage.

“I fell in love with the building,” Andy Offord says. “It is a 1930s building that was originally a dance hall.”

Wentworth Street’s historic character inspired him to invest in Port Kembla. “I just loved the different architecture throughout the street. Then I couldn’t believe that it was also so close to such a beautiful beach. It’s a great part of the Illawarra.”

The old dance hall is also beautiful out back, with a mural by local artist Ayjay adorning the brickwork on Wentworth Lane. In November 2022, the Wonderwalls Festival brought even more colourful street art to the heart of Port Kembla.

“Wentworth Street has a similar feel to the Marrickville and Newtown areas,” Andy says. “It attracts creative people and businesses.”

Eight spaces from 9sqm to 60sqm are available at COW for flexible leases, long-term storage options are coming soon and pop-up shops are welcome.

“There are spaces for all creatives. Retail spaces, artists spaces, exhibition space, workshop space. Creative on Wentworth is here to adapt to you – you can make your space whatever you need.”

Enquiries to Christie on 0412 497 312 or creativeonwentworth@gmail.com