It’s almost three years since we caught up with Nik Bulum. Imagine that! Back in those days, Braddon was relatively serene.

Since then, Lonsdale Street Traders has come and gone, a slew of bars and restaurants have appeared, and the scene just keeps growing and growing…

So, what does Braddon’s gourmet developer and retailer think about his favourite suburb, as well as Canberra as a whole?

Urban renewal is a delicate process. What approach does your company, B&T Constructions, take to designing new social spaces?

I like to look at the people, and the customers we had through unit concepts over 12 years. That’s really important feedback. Also, you need to look at what’s around you. For Ori, we used a lot of recycled materials to fit in with the industrial feel of Braddon.

What worldwide precincts have provided inspiration for what you want to achieve in Braddon?

I haven’t really looked at other precincts too closely – you don’t want anything to be contrived. I feel that Braddon needs to be representative of Canberra. I’ve always grabbed independent retailers as well… I feel that’s how to you bring much more of that community feel – the feel needs to be much more local than referencing, say… New York.

Locally, what Canberra buildings catch your eye?

The one I love is over at ANU – the John Curtin Medical Research Centre. It’s like concrete all sliced up and fanned out. It looks amazing.

Who else in Canberra gets you excited for their energy and contributions?

The Molonglo Group. They’re doing it beautifully down at NewActon and it fits in beautifully with Nektar and Johnathon’s aesthetic. Again, it has completely it’s own feel and doesn’t try to be anything or anywhere else.

It’s great to see Unit Concepts head back across the street to the Ori complex. Are there any big plans for the new store?

Finally, after 12 years, Unit will have a permanent home. It’s been big, small, thin, wide, and now it’s getting its true style. We’re going to bring in so many independent designers, like we did when we first opened the door. We should be open early in March.

The Hamlet happened very quickly. What was the creative process? Were there any other ideas you didn’t decide to use?

It was basically to ensure that there was cheaper food in Braddon, and respecting the idea of the food van. The Doghouse was a Braddon institution for years, and I think we’ve acknowledged that history at The Hamlet.

So what if the hot cars keep driving up and down the street, it’s not my thing, but that’s part of what Braddon has been.

Where is Canberra’s best cocktail?

Easy. It’s the Summer Highball at AKIBA. Ketel one Vodka mixed with fennel, honey, lychee and in it they serve a cucumber and lychee iceblock. I love it.

If you could only eat one food from one café or restaurant in Canberra, what would it be?

EightySix serves a ravioli with a potato & thyme mash and a whole soft egg-yolk. They called it Ravioli of the Sun and it’s absolutely amazing.

Unit Concepts re-opens its doors in the Ori building in March January. The Hamlet is now open for lunch and dinner. Both can be found on Lonsdale Street, Braddon.