Home / Business and Economy / Old Bookstore Becomes Magical Study Haven
Old Bookstore Becomes Magical Study Haven
1 Aug
Summary
- A former historic bookstore transformed into a 24/7 study cafe.
- The cafe preserves elements of the original bookstore's charm.
- It offers membership tiers ranging from $10 to $50 weekly.
O3 Space, a 24/7 study cafe, has opened in Newtown, taking over the former site of Gould's Books. The team meticulously cleaned and preserved 10,000 books from the old bookstore, blending its historic charm with a Studio Ghibli-inspired design.
The new O3 Newtown outpost, which opened in mid-July, is the fourth location for the business, joining others in Auckland and Melbourne. Founder Luca Yang aimed to create a 'magical space' that counters the online shift and encourages genuine human connection.
Membership at O3 Space includes three free hours weekly, with subscription options at $10, $20, or $50 per week for extended use. This pricing strategy, Yang explains, focuses on serving a dedicated community rather than trying to please everyone.
The study cafe has rapidly gained popularity among young people, who appreciate its unique atmosphere and the opportunities for social interaction it provides. City of Sydney deputy mayor Jess Miller has lauded such initiatives for revitalizing underused buildings.
