Heart of the City: New retail offering to fill Kelvin St property
The Heart of the City column - in partnership with Invercargill Central - puts a focus on inner city Invercargill and reaffirms the area's status as the heart of the city.
The weekly Heart of the City column is backed by Invercargill Central. Visit invercargillcentral.nz for more info about on what’s on offer at Invercargill Central.
Invercargill’s retail scene is set for a new addition as Niche Boutique prepares to open its doors.
Located at 31 Kelvin St, in the heart of Invercargill’s CBD, Niche Boutique will be a homewares and lifestyle store offering.
The new store was initially planned to open on Friday, although that has now been delayed. The new opening date is yet to be confirmed.
Niche Boutique will fill the space on Kelvin St previously occupied by Julie Byrce Fashion Emporium which closed in October after 35 years in business.
The iconic pink door is staying however the rest of the shop frontage has been given a modern update.
“We’re so excited to bring something fresh to the heart of Invercargill,” says Kirstin Gray, founder of Niche Boutique.
“I’ve always had a passion for homewares, fashion, and thoughtful gifting, and I wanted to create a space where people can find beautifully curated pieces that truly enhance everyday living.”
Niche Boutique collections include:
● Home Curations – Furniture, mirrors, cushions, throws, glassware, and decor designed to elevate any space.
● Giftware – Gift options, including baby giftware, candles, jewellery, and sleepwear.
● Style Collection – Handbags, jewellery and clothing essentials.
Niche Boutique’s arrival is part of the broader revitalisation of Invercargill’s retail district, injecting more vibrancy and variety into the city’s shopping landscape.
What to do with 69 Don St?…
An earthquake prone Don St building earmarked for demolition could now get a reprieve.
Up until 2020 Dr Ajit Johri had for 43 years operated a clinic out of the 69 Don St.
The building - which sits next door to the old Sugar Shack - was designed by architect Monica Barham and recently received a New Zealand Institute of Architects Enduring Architecture Award.
The institute described it as having been the work of “a prominent and prolific young architect. A sleek, streamlined form of concrete, circular openings and fine steelwork, these rooms are a true reflection of their time. This architectural result is restrained and simple and recognises the influence of international modernism in New Zealand’’.
The Invercargill City Council owns the building and initially had planned to demolish it during 2025-2026 at an estimated cost of $140,000.
However, the council is now weighing up whether to instead repurpose the building for a social housing purpose.
The council will need to decide whether it puts an estimated $50,000 towards consultancy costs for scoping work around the repurposing of the building.
Dine at Esk Eats at Invercargill Central with options for all taste buds and hunger levels. From grab and go sushi, hunger busting burgers or a slice or two, a warming ramen, curry or classic street food, finishing with something sweet. Esk Eats has you covered.