Weekends in Melbourne have just got a whole lot better (well, more specifically Richmond). Aiming to make those two days the most memorable yet, the team at Right Angle Studio and Foolscap Architects have dreamed up The Richmond Weekender.

The project is made up of a series of events that’ll take over the former Channel 9 Television Studios in Richmond during March (3 – 31 March). There’s a canteen, cinema and homemakers market, all under one historic roof. The building definitely deserves a visit before its transformation into a string of heritage apartments. It was built in 1908 as the original Wertheim piano factory and from 1935 to 1955 it functioned as Australia’s first Heinz factory before assuming its most famous incarnation as GTV 9’s studios.

“The old Channel 9 site has lain dormant for quite some time now and we are really looking forward to bringing people back to Bendigo Street and giving them an insider’s view of the beautiful building. The Richmond Weekender sits in the heart of an interesting neighbourhood, so our idea is simply to work with a handful of creative and culturally-minded local businesses to create an experience that will help locals and visitors make the most of what we think are the two best days in the week,” explains Barrie Barton, creative director at Right Angle Studio.

Concept sketch by Foolscap Studio

Exterior of GTV

The Richmond Weekender will run from 3 – 31 March at 22 Bendigo Street, Richmond. Here’s what you can expect from the weekend:

Graham Canteen
Giving a humorous nod to one of Channel 9’s most fascinating characters (Graham Kennedy) Graham Canteen will serve lunch and breakfast every Saturday and Sunday in March. Orchestrated by Rob Cattanach and Kent Bell, owners of the ever popular Cavallero on Smith Street, Graham Canteen will have charisma, uniqueness and exceptional delivery… much like its namesake. Keeping with the outdoor tradition of the weekend, a Southern Style BBQ provides the backbone of the food offer with fresh fruit and vegetable salads, crepes, corn cakes and cheese grits also on offer. Single Origin coffee will be provided by Coffee Supreme, but served with a twist as a granita or by a Chemex 5 Glass filter method.

Homemakers Market
There’s a lot of ‘nesting’ going on in Richmond and so on the opening day of Saturday 3 March (from 10am – 3pm). The Richmond Weekender will host a Homemakers Market. Providing interior inspiration for Melbourne design enthusiasts, the market will bring together some of the City’s most-loved and talented home wares retailers and designers showcasing interior objects, furniture, collectibles and digestibles.

Speakeasy Cinema
On Saturday nights March 10, 17, 24 and 31 The Richmond Weekender will pay homage to the site’s entertainment heritage in collaboration with Melbourne’s Speakeasy Cinema. The cinema space has been designed by Foolscap to be immersive and magical, transporting viewers and creating an intimate evening to enjoy film with friends. Fancy popcorn, ice cream and drinks will be provided by Graham Canteen.

Thumbnail image: Graham Canteen Perspective drawing by Foolscap Studio.