Shire of Augusta-Margaret River ‘still on the hunt’ for business to operate revamped Recreation Centre cafe

No commercial operators have stepped forward to run the revamped cafe earmarked for the Margaret River Recreation Centre when it reopens this December. Despite advertising widely for a commercial partner, the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River has said they were “still on the hunt”. As part of the $9 million reroofing upgrade for the venue, which included a new pool shell, change rooms and other facilities, a deck-fronted cafe was included in the revamp. The shire had sought to find a commercial operator for the site, which was common practice in other leisure centres across the State. “We’re still on the hunt for a suitable operator and encourage any interested parties to approach the shire to discuss opportunities to provide a cafe service to the community,” waste and major projects manager Chris Yates said. The business was a prime opportunity for private operators with a vision for the site anticipating more than 120,000 visitors annually. The finished cafe would be self-contained and overlook the grassed play area. The Times understands operators would also be involved in the venue’s fit-out. “We welcome proposals from people of all ages and backgrounds and any new and innovative ideas placed on the table will be considered,” Mr Yates said. However, the shire declined to confirm what plans for reopening the cafe were in place if an operator didn’t come forward by December. It also did not provide a breakdown in costs for the cafe aspect of the project. “Financial implications will be assessed individually based on the terms and offers of each scenario,” a shire spokesperson said. During advertising of the opportunity in June, former ABC broadcaster and Tasting Australia festival director Ian Parmenter predicted no operator would come forward. “This is a very risky concept, given staff shortages and massive increases in costs of food and beverage,” he said. “Further, there are so many great food and beverage outlets nearby that operators of this concept would be behind the eight ball from the start. “Plus, they would be dealing with the Augusta-Margaret River Shire.” Potential operators could contact legal and governance manager Ian McLeod on 9780 5267 or amrshire@amrshire.wa.gov.au for lease conditions.