Open day of boots and botanicals

THREE unique spaces in Delacombe’s Gun Cotton Warehouse precinct will be open to the public to explore this Saturday, 22 October.

The shopfront and workshop of leather shoemakers Wootten, the brand-new Botanica function and events space, and nursery and cafe The Green House Ballarat are hosting an open afternoon from 3pm to 5pm.

Wootten is the family business of cordwainers Jess Cameron-Wootten and Krystina Menegazzo who produce leather boots – their “hero” – alongside bags, aprons, and belts.

“Usually, people can come into the light, bright shop and look through the window into the workshop, but this weekend, they’ll be able to get into the workshop for some guided tours behind the scenes,” Mr Cameron-Wootten said.

Di and Daniel Hannon are the couple behind Botanica, and The Green House Ballarat, aiming to offer relaxed, casual spaces for events, in fresh, green and coastal-themed environments.

“Our plan is to demonstrate parts of the broad process of cutting, closing and bottoming, or cutting sewing, and soling, and to show what the machines do.”

The Gun Cotton Warehouses start at 20 Elizabeth Street, and Ms Menegazzo said the open afternoon will spotlight a developing part of Delacombe which is off the beaten track.

Their workshop has been on site for four years, however their front retail space is a new venture.

“We’re offering a little bit more here outside of what we do ourselves, celebrating local and Victorian artisans, including ceramicists, artists, and makers of knitwear, hats, socks and t-shirts,” Ms Menegazzo said.

The historic Ballarat shoe-making legacy is alive within the workshop, as Wootten now holds equipment from the closed Oliver’s shoe factory.

Wootten is the family business of Krystina Menegazzo, Jess Cameron-Wootten, and their little workshop helper Quincy.

Their next-door neighbours are Di and Daniel Hannon, who run The Green House Ballarat, and are launching events venue, Botanica.

“We’re offering the space for any type of function or event, whether it’s weddings, birthdays, launches, photo shoots, or even markets,” Ms Hannon said.

“On the open day, people can come in and take a look at the space, and sample some wines and grazing boards from our packages.

“At our nursery and cafe space, The Green House Ballarat, we can host ceremonies and drinks as well.”