Shop 2, Labuan Square                                      
Norlane, Geelong

Urban Bean opening hours:
9am-4pm Mon-Fri





Urban Seed's new social enterprise, "Urban Bean", has been operating in Norlane, Geelong since November 2009. Urban Bean is located in the currently run-down shopping area of Labuan Square. It is intended to become a sustainable business as well as a catalyst for community renewal through resisting the trend towards greater inequality and social exclusion. It offers affordable meals and coffee as well as a providing a gathering space.

The cafe is an Urban Seed initiative, supported and run by people committed to living, working and engaging in the local community in order to bring about positive social change.  Norlane has developed a reputation as a bad suburb, and is frequently referred to in the media as a 'ghetto'. Where there were once vibrant, busy shopping strips there are now empty shops with the roller doors down. Often the only businesses that appear to do well are bottle shops and gambling venues - this simply entrenches the social problems which already exist.

We believe that one of the best ways to achieve regeneration in a community is for businesses to open that are passionate about supporting local people and keen to engage in strong social enterprise.  Through key partnerships, the project will provide training and employment for local people, including those with whom connections have been made at the Longroom Cafe.

Urban Bean Manifesto

We believe in the local community and creating a space to connect
We believe coffee should be fair trade and food should be locally made
We believe a good conversation can make your day
We believe in slow food rather than fast food
We believe that all profits made should be poured back in to the local community
We believe that children should be able to play
We believe that you should get involved with your café… just ask us how!