They had to jump through a lot of hoops to eventually get up and running in September this year, but next week it's already time to close the doors at The Chop Shop.
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After overcoming an ACT Planning and Land Authority stop work notice, the crowdfunded bar and live art venue was opened in a derelict alley in Braddon to make the most of the space before it is demolished to make way for a new apartment development.
One of The Chop Shop owners, Pat Rose, said he was excited ahead of their final big bash on New Year's Eve.
"It's been a crazy adventure and it's gonna be sad to see it go but I'm kind of happy that we did it," he said.
Their Notice To Vacate party will include live music, live art, plus potential appearances from a skate crew and The Mandalay Bus to keep everyone fed.
"It should be a really nice way to end it. It's a bit of everything we've kind of done," he said.
Pat said there was the possibility he and The Chop Shop co-owner Sancho Murphy would have something up and running again in the future.
"We're just kind of seeing where it takes us for the moment. No doubt I think we'll be collaborating again in some nature," he said.
"We've got a few offers but we just need to choose the right one for us."
Most of all, Pat said he was thankful to everyone who got behind their project.
"Thank you to all the people who've supported us along the way. It's literally been a completely community-based and funded thing," he said.
"People say you've got the cultural hubs of Melbourne and Sydney but the fact that Canberra has the cultural group that will get behind this, it just shows that people care. I think Canberra has the potential to do this sort of thing more than any other city right now."
The Chop Shop Notice to Vacate party is on December 31 from 8pm. Tickets $15 at the door before 9pm, or $30 after 9pm, which includes two drinks. 18+.
Civic retailers smiling
The world-record-breaking Christmas lights twinkled, the festive camels loped about and the retailers smiled.
Christmas in the City 2014 was a big success, helping pull about $6 million of spending into the CBD by the start of this week, Canberra CBD Limited said.
The success of this year's Christmas in the City was in no small part because of the vibrant setting and colourful festivities that displayed what the centre of Canberra has to offer.
Nishi gets green thumbs up
It has been a big year of awards and recognition for our friends at New Acton, and to cap it off the Nishi office building has been given a great big green tick.
It has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star rating by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), making it one of the most planet-loving buildings in the country.
Among a stack of green features, Nishi features sustainable Australian timber, a solar panel array on its roof and a black water sewage recycling plant.
GBCA chief executive Romilly Madew said Nishi was a world-class building that trod lightly on the Earth and would leave the people of Canberra with an enduring landmark.
The next goal for Nishi is a five-star rating for energy and water.
A final note
We pause for a community service announcement from Canberra Times editor James Joyce: We made a list. We checked it twice. And, no, it wasn't about who was naughty or nice. It was Wednesday's Christmas cheerio from all of us here at The Canberra Times, The Chronicle and Fairfax Media Print & Distribution Canberra. Except one colleague fell off the list of staff we published. So, from Jack Waterford, the star atop our tree, season's greetings, dear reader.
What's On
If you're still looking for plans for New Year's Eve, there are plenty of things on with tickets still available:
RIO CARNIVAL PARTY Ring in the new year with dazzling colour and celebration. Canapes on arrival, a three-course dinner catered by Ginger Catering, entertainment, DJ and drinks included. The National Arboretum. From 7.30pm. Tickets $150 from trybooking.com/ggmg.
PROHIBITION PARTY Canberra speakeasy Lucky's at QT Hotel will host a 1920s-themed prohibition New Year's Eve party featuring fine cuisine, hand-crafted spirits, a costume contest, party favours and other surprises. The experience promises to be a fun-filled evening showcasing 1920s activities and food, including a two-hour beverage package from 8pm-10pm. Tickets $89 from moshtix.com.au.
WHITE PARTY Celebrate in style at Canberra's most glamorous party, with entertainment all night and Moet at midnight. Enjoy an array of cuisine options, premium beverage packages and cocktails throughout the party. The entertainment includes a band and a DJ playing non-stop sets from 8pm. Hyatt Hotel. Tickets $199 from 6269 8949.
You can also check out our New Year's Eve guide at canberratimes.com.au/act-news/canberra-life.
