This grand old building on the roundabout at Otho and Byron Streets was built for the Bank of New South Wales in 1890 and later housed the Council Chambers until 1983.

Three locals, Kate Davidson, Jane Dawborn and David Purvis-Smith will launch me and mr.jones, an emporium type concept focusing on unique products, gifts and décor.

According to the partners they will concentrate on those ‘hard to get’ products and services that are difficult to obtain in many regional areas.

Kate said she sees no value is competing directly with other businesses as that does not add value to the town or enhance the shopping experience.

It will have a leaning towards special handmade products she said.

Jane added that we will stock those things that we love and value as well as products that have a real point of difference.

Many products will be exclusive to the region she said.

me and mr. jones will take up the two rooms on the bottom left of the ground floor which still leaves the right side available for lease.

David said that it is partially set up as a café and it would be good to see one in place there again but the space would suit any number of purposes he said.

He added that it is a superb heritage building that deserves to come alive again.

Jane and Kate were keen to stress that the mix of products will evolve as they discover what customers are seeking.

Initially they said it will be an eclectic mix covering most age groups.

“We will have some exclusive fashion accessories, jewellery, a lovely range of very special gifts for babies, kids, teens and adults, some antique furniture and a variety of home décor,” Jane said.

“Home décor is an area that I have particular love for.”

When asked to sum up the product mix she said you could describe it as “classic with an edge”.

Kate stressed that we are trying to have products that are affordable as well as those which are collector pieces.