The eagerly-awaited open house at new retail centre Gallery 135 has been hailed as a success by organisers and business leaders alike.

The event, which ran at the premises in 135 Front Street from Friday to Saturday, attracted about 75 visitors over the two days, with a lot of interest in the new venture from prospective vendors and the business community. Others who couldn't make it also called to express their interest.

G-135 will offer a coffee lounge, gallery and retail outlet for entrepreneurs looking for a chance to get into business at the location on the corner of King and Front Streets. Co-developer Keerome Maybury said Friday went well considering it was during work hours for many visitors.

"There was a nice steady flow of vendors coming through, taking an interest in the concept and seeing the various stages of development that have gone on here,"he said.

"A lot of Bermudians want to see something tangible before coming on board.

"Next up we have the grand opening and November will be used as a month for ironing out whatever issues are encountered."

Michelle Khaldun, general manager of the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation, was impressed with what she saw and the benefits it will offer entrepreneurs and small businesses setting up.

"I think it is excellent given the need for space for people that want to go into setting up a small business," she said. "Given the cost of retail space and the lack of it at an affordable price that causes these businesses not to get off the ground or they are struggling because of the cost, I think Gallery 135 is an excellent way for vendors and entrepreneurs to launch from."

She also thought the idea of opening up the centre for viewing before the official launch next month would allow potential vendors to see how their business could work in that environment.

"I was glad that they had the actually prototypes and people could see how it was going to be set up and, I for one, like the feel of the place and think the space lends itself to doing something different."