Gleebooks completes renovation

The renovation of the Gleebooks building at 49 Glebe Point Rd, Glebe, NSW, has been completed.

Gleebooks co-owner David Gaunt described the updated building as ‘fit for the 21st century’ because of increased accessibility to each level. ‘Since the 1990s, the shop had operated with a narrow stairway, but we’ve improved disabled access by installing a lift,’ said Gaunt.

The events space—for both music and literary events—has also been improved to include a cafe/bar, which can also be used as self-catering during events. ‘People can stay behind and have a drink at the bar after an event,’ said Gaunt.

Gaunt said, ‘After 30 years the building was in need of a major renovation. Every part needed to be changed by pulling it down and starting again.’ The new owner of the building worked with an architect to update the building, which now has a ‘more 21st century-looking’ timber floor, a stripped-back ceiling, timber joinery and countertops using timber rescued from the old building design. Gaunt saw the new design as a real enhancement to the store, which is ‘a deeply stocked store, with a wall of literature.’ The building was painted with heritage-appropriate colours, which included an apricot and a pink colour. ’It’s a much prettier building than it was before,’ said Gaunt.

During the 15-month renovation process, the bookshop ‘went up the hill’ to be housed in the old Glebe Post Office, which was ‘not really suited to a shop’ according to Gaunt, who added that staff were happy to return to the improved building two weeks ago.

Category: Local news