The HIVE buzzing around for one year

By Emily Donohoe

May 12, 2025

The HIVE Rochester is celebrating one year since opening. Jo Scorey has been volunteering at The HIVE for around sixth months. Photo: Jordan Townrow.

Rochester’s permanent market space The HIVE has officially marked one lap around the sun.

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Opening as a pop-up concept on May 14, 2024, owner Milly Cain was inspired to create an alternative to markets over winter, where stallholders can keep their homemade goodies.

The store took off, with positive feedback from locals, tourists and makers alike.

“I’m so incredibly proud of what we’ve been able to achieve,” Ms Cain said.

“It’s a dream come true to have this space.

“For our stallholders, seeing something they’re created being so well received is the most amazing thing.”

Stallholders come from across Rochester and its surrounds. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

A stallholder herself, Ms Cain loves the opportunity The HIVE provides to support local craftspeople and artisans.

Over the past year, it has continued to show the talented creations of the Rochester community.

“For me, I love nothing more than seeing a brand-new baby in something I’ve made,” Ms Cain said.

“We’ve had an overwhelming response from locals and tourists.

“They’re impressed with the quality and variety, especially knowing that they’re made by local artists, and we’ve stayed true to supporting Rochy and surrounding areas.”

The HIVE owner Milly Cain in September 2024 outside her store.

The store has three volunteer assistants, who are also stallholders at The Hive.

Ms Cain is hoping to spend some time on Wednesday, the store’s official first birthday, with her volunteer team.

“I couldn’t have picked three better people,” she said.

Later this month, The HIVE will launch an online site, allowing purchases to be made across the country.

The space offers a wide range of gifts and goodies, suitable from birth and beyond. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

With many tourists popping into The HIVE, it is a good opportunity to showcase Rochy’s talent even further.

“When they get back home, they can share The HIVE with friends and family,” Ms Cain said.

“They will all get a little piece of Rochy.”

The online store will also offer local delivery and gift cards will be available to purchase.

For those interested in selling their products at The HIVE, especially over winter, reach out to the store on thehiverochester@outlook.com or by calling 0419 389 829

The HIVE is at 1 Gillies St, Rochester, and is open Wednesday to Friday from 9am to 4pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.