News & Media
Antique centre a first for city [The Ipswich Advertiser]
8 November 2010
[from article in The Ipswich Advertiser by Kate Lemmon, published 8th November 2010]
AFTER becoming restless in her retirement, Heather Mildwaters decided to open Ipswich's first antique centre.
An antique centre is a collection of licensed antique dealers operating out of the same building.
Mrs Mildwaters started Paddington Antique Centre with her husband John 25 years ago but solid it in 2008.
They purchased the heritage-listed Uniting Church Central Memorial Hall (the Congregational Sunday School) at 86 East Street, Ipswich, at the end of last year.
The building is undergoing major internal renovations to provide room for the 25 dealers who have each leased floor space in the 800sq m building.
"We bought the buildings with the intention of opening earlier this year, but instead we're officially opening on December 15" Mrs Mildwaters said.
"We've still got to build the staircase, fix the toilets, finish the painting, do the kitchen, get the floor coverings sanded and polished and the railing has to be added to the stage.
"But we're confident we will open in December."
The Mildwaters are also adding a coffee shop to the centre.
The centre will be opened by Mayor Paul Pisasale at an invitation-only even on Wednesday, December 15, from 6:30pm.
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