From Basement Workshop to CBD Advocate: Meet Glen Patterson

At the heart of Timaru’s central city revitalisation is Glen Patterson, a skilled manufacturing jeweller, proud business owner of Jewelcraft and current chairperson of The Timaru CBD Group.

Glen’s journey from a basement workspace to a thriving storefront in the heart of the city is a story of resilience, craftsmanship, and community commitment.

Glen began his jewellery career with an apprenticeship in Queenstown back in 1988. When that business closed, he faced a choice – Auckland or Timaru. He chose Timaru, completed his training locally and eventually took a bold step to launch his own repair service from his home basement in 2010. Two years later, he established Jewelcraft, which now operates from a prominent CBD location, offering bespoke jewellery design, manufacturing, and repairs.

For Glen, jewellery is a passion. His proudest moments come from the joy his work brings to others, especially when creating custom pieces or transforming old items into cherished family heirlooms. “Just seeing the look on customers’ faces when a piece comes to life, that’s everything,” he says.

Choosing to base Jewelcraft in Timaru’s CBD was strategic. “I wanted to be where the people are and close to my competitors,” Glen explains. Over the years, he’s seen the district evolve, with shops opening and closing and the undeniable impact of COVID, but one thing remains constant, his love for the community. “What I love most about being here is the people,” he adds.

Beyond his storefront, Glen plays a key role in shaping the future of Timaru’s central city. As chairperson of The Timaru CBD Group, a coalition of local business owners and landlords who collaborate with the Timaru District Council, Glen helps lead initiatives to revitalise and energise the city centre.

Glen joined the group around 2022, not to stand on the sidelines, but to be part of the solution. “I didn’t want to be someone who just complained, I wanted to help make a difference,” he says. Now in his second year as chairperson, Glen believes in rotating leadership to keep energy and ideas fresh. “It’s just my time at the moment,” he notes with humility.

As a community advocate, Glen’s focus is on making The Exchange a vibrant, welcoming space where people love to work, shop, and relax. He’s proud of the collective achievements of The Timaru CBD Group “It’s not about me,” he insists. “It’s about our community and getting every stakeholder engaged.”

When Glen isn’t at the workbench or in meetings, he’s involved with the Timaru Rowing Club, restoring a VW Beetle, or spending time with family. He’s also a big supporter of local cafés and restaurants, helping to sustain the wider Exchange ecosystem.