Independent collective to reinvigorate former “Creative Hub” in Wexford

Wexford Town is set for a major retail and cultural revival as four well-known local business owners join forces to transform the former Creative Hub on Main Street into a vibrant new independent shopping destination, to be called Eclectic Avenue…

The project is being led by Wally O’Neill of Red Books, Kristyna Simkova of Y21 Studios in Enniscorthy, Alfie O’Sullivan of Creative Grounds and Y21 Café, and Alice Kavanagh, co-founder of Kotori’s Corner. All four have long been committed to supporting community, culture, and the circular economy, and now bring their combined vision to one of the town’s most prominent spaces.

The redevelopment will see the building reborn as a unique retail & food hub featuring alternative fashion, accessories and various unique independent outlets, pop up craft stalls, a bookshop, and street food area.

The aim is to create a destination that offers something very different to the high street, where small businesses can collaborate and thrive, and customers can enjoy a diverse, characterful shopping & food experience.

Although the official full opening is planned for early 2026, the public will get a first taste of the project this winter. From Friday, November 28th 2025, a series of Alternative Christmas pop-up units will open throughout the building, running across the festive season. These will showcase a wide range of unique gifts, crafts, and seasonal products, giving shoppers the chance to support local while enjoying a festive atmosphere.

“This is a huge opportunity for both the town and the building,” said the new owners in a joint statement. “Our vision is to create a reimagined space where independent retail can flourish – a place that celebrates variety, character, and quality over mass-produced sameness. We want the destination to be a place where people are excited to visit, shop in, and return to,” the new collective told Wexford Weekly.

By championing independent retail and sustainable shopping, the new project is set to become a cornerstone of Wexford’s future retail landscape, breathing fresh life into Main Street while strengthening the town’s reputation for individuality and community.

They will not be fully up and running until 2026, but they will be opening as an alternative Christmas Market during the month of December

For further information regarding the Alternative Christmas Market or Eclectic Avenue retail space hire please email hello@eclecticavenue.ie

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