The new site is called Preservation and was opened by Clarendon Arms owner Lydia Nettlefold on Saturday. 

Preservation, located opposite the Clarendon Arms, features two distinct sections – half of the store is a providore and the other half is an art gallery. 

Ms Nettlefold said the providore would exclusively sell Tasmanian products, such as jams, cheeses and homewares. 

Meanwhile, the gallery will hold frequent exhibitions showcasing Tasmanian artists.

The first exhibition features Clarendon Estate resident artist Carol Barnett. 

“There’s so many Tassie artists and artisans and they’re creating such great things and it’s good to get them out there,” Ms Nettlefold said. 

The name of the new store had three distinct meanings, according to Ms Nettlefold. 

“The name came about because I’ve been involved in preserving quite a few Tasmanian historic buildings,” she said.

“It’s also about preservation of food, because that’s become quite a popular thing, but people have forgotten the art of preserving things so you have produce all year round. 

“The third element is preserving life. My son tragically committed suicide [nine years ago] and I try to support the charities that are working around suicide prevention. 

“We hope it will become a community driven thing and we plan to raise money for charity in the future.”

The new store was going to be located at the Clarendon Arms, however the space was not big enough to hold the providore and the gallery. 

Plans are also afoot to start an online store to accompany the new project.

Ms Nettlefold, who took over ownership of the pub a year ago, wants Preservation to help create more vibrancy. 

“We’re hoping it will increase the number of people in the village coming from Launceston or the airport,” she said. 

“The more businesses we have, the better it will be for our village.

“We’ll just keep trying to do good things and keep people happy.”

For mental health support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.