For nearly 60 years, the Cook Street Barber Shop has brushed, snipped and buzzed the hair of loyal customers within the Wellburn Market Heritage building.
However, that run will be coming to an end much sooner than expected.
“Last week the city turned off the water to the building,” said owner Rolf Moosmann.
Moosmann took over the shop five years ago and has worked hard to bring the brand back to prominence. But at the end of November, a sewage pipe burst, forcing Wellburn Food Market and residents of the affordable housing units on the top floor of the building to vacate.
The barber shop has found a way temporarily stay open, in spite the water to the building being completely shut off.
“So we had to get a portable hot water sink that we’re renting now, so that allows us to stay open… for the moment,” Moosmann said.
With their lease coming to an end, the shop was planning to relocate at the end of May next year, however with the latest developments they could now be forced out at any moment.
“We don’t know what’s going to happen here we might be shut down or not any day and I just want to make sure that the staff have a chance to keep working,” said Moosmann.
And with a solid group of trusted clientele, relocating within close proximity will be crucial.
“We’ve had a tremendous flow of support here and interest from the community and the neighborhood, and that’s why I’m making sure we can stay within as close as possible,” Moosmann said.
On Thursday, Victoria city council will hear a proposal for a new multi-use building on the current site. The current site is a heritage building over 100-years-old.
Meanwhile, Moosmann is currently in the process of finding a new location, with hopes of relocating by February. But he’s urging all customers to come down for one last cut before the shop leaves its longtime home.
Ben Nesbit
