Central Goldfields Shire Council is pleased to announce that London House in Talbot is set to re-open with a new café operator.
The Head Lease for London House is with the Talbot Action Inc which required them to run an Expression of Interest process for a new café operator in accordance with Council's Property Occupancy Policy.
Despite being widely advertised, no EOIs were received by the closing date.
Later, a proposal was submitted to Talbot Action Inc by Belinda Fabry (formerly of Madam Chi Chi Café in Maryborough) and Gerard Murphy (Central Goldfields Shire Councillor) – which was accepted by the group subject to Council approval.
Central Goldfields Shire Chief Executive Officer, Lucy Roffey has the delegated authority to implement the Property Occupancy Policy and approve the head lease and sub-lease.
Given Councillor Murphy's business interest in the lease, the CEO appointed probity advisors AFS & Associates to review the process to ensure that it had been conducted in accordance with Council's Property Occupancy Policy and that any conflicts of interest had been appropriately managed.
The probity advisors provided assurance that the documentation provided by Talbot Action Inc demonstrated compliance with the head lease and the property occupancy policy, prior to the CEO giving approval for the sub-lease.
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor and Ward Cr Chris Meddows-Taylor said he was excited for the next, new chapter for London House.
"Our sincere thanks to everyone who has worked on securing a new tenant for London House – it's wonderful news and is a huge boost for the community of Talbot.
"Many thanks to Talbot Action Inc for months of hard work to plan the next venture for the complex, and their work with Council's CEO to ensure the next chapter is on a contemporary public sector lease arrangement.
"Thank you also to Council CEO Lucy Roffey for ensuring the highest possible standards of compliance had been met.
"I wish the new tenants all the best for a wonderful future in Talbot."
Talbot Action Inc Secretary Graham Miller said he is excited for a tenant to be appointed to London House.
"London House is such an important building to the Talbot community and TAI is looking forward to seeing a new business venture begin."
London House is expected to open later this month.
