Newham General Store has been sold and is expected to re-open to the community within the next few months.
Woodend resident Jo Bombardier will re-open the store and cafe with her daughter Kayla Bombardier and son-in-law Nicholas Shepherd.
Renovations are now under way for a new-look European farm-house style interior and many of the things local residents love about this community hub are expected to return.
“We’re excited to open something similar to what was here to serve the locals,” Jo told the Express.
“I can only imagine what it has been like for residents not having the cafe and store general meeting point and place to get essentials.”
Premium coffee, organic produce, essentials such as milk, and menu favourites like toasties are all likely to be available.
An opportunity to re-open the store was an exciting one for Jo, who has a strong background in hospitality.
“I have driven past this store many times and I have always loved it. It is in an iconic, beautiful spot with Hanging Rock close by,” she said.
“We hope to create a cosy, friendly atmosphere and want people to know that it will once again be open as a place for people to meet up.”
Newham General Store closed in late 2024, when business owners announced they were “unable to extend the lease past the current term”.
Since then, the property has been on the market and was appointed to Anthony Stevens Real Estate in January this year.
Realtor Helen Milner said targeted campaigns and strong community engagement saw eight serious expressions of interest and four parties progressing to final offers.
“The Newham General Store is coming back and the community will soon see it trading again,” she said.
The family aims to have the business open to the community in about two months, depending on when renovations are completed.
