The NSW Government and Penrith City Council are transforming a former police cottage on Crown land into a waterfront dining venue on the Nepean River, and a call is out for hospitality operators to run it.
The former Emu Plains police cottage is being brought back to life through an adaptive reuse of the property into a unique dining experience.
It will blend heritage, nature and modern conveniences across 240 square metres of retail space, with outdoor seating and magnificent views of the Nepean River.
Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said the refurbishment on Crown land is supported by a $1.5 million injection by the NSW Government and a further $1 million contribution by Penrith City Council.
"113 years after the police station and residence was built it will be given a new lease of life by being transformed into a restaurant or café on the banks of the beautiful Nepean River, for all the community and visitors to the area to enjoy," Mr Ayres said.
"The Police Cottage will be a highly sought-after venue due to its prime riverfront location on the Great River Walk adjacent to the Yandhai Nepean Crossing which attracts up to 1,300 pedestrian movements on weekdays and 1,700 on weekends."
Penrith City Council is seeking innovative food and beverage operators for the planned new café and restaurant.
Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said the transformation of the police cottage is part of Council's vision to revitalise Penrith and improve our connection to the Nepean River with increased amenity and vibrant spaces for people to eat, meet and relax.
"The revitalised Police Cottage will be the crucial link in the growing dining circuit along the Nepean River, playing an important role in enhancing our greatest natural asset and improving the gateway to the new Regatta Park precinct," Cr McKeown said.
"The refurbishment of the police cottage will not only attract more visitors to the area, but also celebrate and conserve our history for generations to come.
"We are looking for an experienced food and beverage operator that shares our vision for heroing local and sustainable produce and materials, to provide a premium casual dining experience and quick service takeaway, helping visitors make the most of their time at the river," Cr McKeown added.
Constructed in 1908, the Police Cottage was the purpose-built police station and residence for Emu Plains. The building will be sensitively refurbished with the restoration of the façade, replacement works to the verandas and roof, services upgrades, internal enhancements and the upgrade of the outdoor privy.
An extension of the deck is also proposed to create a 106 sqm outdoor dining area, shaded by a row of mature Jacaranda trees with views of the iconic Yandhai Nepean Crossing and the Nepean River.
Interested food and beverage operators can submit a Request for Tender from 1 June 2021 to 5 July 2021 via:
WSROC / RFT20/21-39 The Police Cottage Food and Beverage Operator - RFT20/21-39
A Development Application for the refurbishment of the Police Cottage has been submitted, and construction is set to commence in late 2021.
