Posted on 21st Oct 2009 @ 3:22 PM

If Maleny were big enough to have a variety of ‘precincts’ – in the way that larger towns or cities do – then Holden’s Gallery could be at the heart of a small upper Coral Street collection of boutique shops and businesses that have a sort of synergy about them.

Holden’s itself has an eclectic, but well-considered, collection of paintings, prints, jewellery and handcrafted gifts by local artists. It’s located next to Maleny Art Supplies. A few doors down is the wonderful slow food café, Pomadoras, and across the road is Mukti, now a national brand on the hair and skin care market. A handful of local businesses – massage therapists, web designers and business suppliers – have set up shop in the area.

The beauty of this very modest ensemble of businesses is that they all face the street – allowing for that common public interface that contemporary precincts really demand – and that together they offer that crucial collection of modern consumer preferences: dining, art works and supplies, giftware and a few essential services.

Holden’s – at the top of the street – is imposing in its historical, beautifully restored Queenslander. It’s also a well-established business that draws a core of local residents, making it an attractive anchor point for this end of Coral Street. And if it’s a gem in terms of its contribution to the streetscape, then it’s perhaps even more so inside, where original works by local artists Susanne Barrett, Tracey Sims and Gary Myers sit comfortably alongside handcrafted ceramics, books and cards.

Holden’s provides the visitor with a ‘something for everyone’ experience, while offering all the originality of a locally owned business.