Julie Nichols and Rachel Evagelou hope to have their new food, wine, retail and tourism hub open by September or October.

The Local Larder will be located in the old "Rivers" building outside the Canberra Centre, opposite Glebe Park. The building was also once home to The Holy Grail nightclub.

"The spiral staircase from The Holy Grail will be the only thing you'll be able to recognise," Rachel said, with a laugh.

"It's going to be completely overhauled.It will be a massive build."

The pair have labelled the interior style of their venture as "Can-dustrial".

"It will be quite polished, rustic, a lot of texture," Rachel said.

"We'll have the Canberra red brick, local timbers, as much Canberra heritage as we can. It'll be very warm and welcoming - and they'll be a fireplace."

Canberra chef Vanessa Scanes, formerly of the Lobby and Sitting Ducks catering, will be at the helm of the cafe, making the most of the region's local produce and wine.

"The retail space will offer a mix of locally sourced artisan produce, regional wines, designer homewares and souvenirs. Customers will be encouraged to try the food and then take home the goods, including themed hampers for all occasions," a statement said.

"The Cellar Door's offering will focus on wines from local and regional wineries. It will allow visitors to buy from various wineries without having to travel to each one individually. The Larder will host regular tastings and the café will also include these wines on the menu."

Rachel, who also has a background in hospitality, said the pair wanted to eventually come up with walking maps for the city and tourism trail maps for the region, focusing on vineyards and eateries.

"It's just to showcase all the incredible, unbelievable things Canberra has to offer and which you don't always see," she said.

"The tourist who comes here doesn't always know that the locals know."

The pair announced recently they were closing their retail outlet Shop Handmade to focus on their new venture. Their quarterly Handmade Canberra markets will continue.

Each with two children, and busy lives, Rachel and Julie say the support of their husbands, family, friends and business team is crucial to their success.

"There is a lot of juggling going on and now and then we do drop the ball but Julie and I get on so well and I hold her up when she needs it and she holds me up when I need and somehow we stand together," Rachel said.