An historic former police cottage on Crown land at Emu Plains is getting a new life as a dining venue following a $2.5 million upgrade by Penrith City Council and the NSW Government.
Member for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres Stuart Ayres said the refurbishment of the police cottage was being supported by a $1.5 million stimulus injection by Crown Lands with a further $1 million contribution by Penrith City Council.
The Council has just announced a food and beverage operator for the new venue, 2773 Café Glenbrook, following a tender process.
“The restored 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,” Mr Ayres said.
“It will provide an ideal place for family, friends and visitors to eat, meet and relax while soaking up the magnificent views of the river.
“This project is a great example of how we can preserve and celebrate our history while supporting business and providing new food and beverage facilities for the community.”
Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said refurbishment of the police cottage was a key part of the revitalisation of the Nepean River to create a vibrant new recreation, dining and entertainment precinct.
Owners of 2773 Café Glenbrook, Penrith residents Shane and Belinda Simpson, share a Council vision to bring the cottage back to life with a new café and restaurant that blends heritage and modern dining.
“Their current café, 2773, is a staple in the lower Blue Mountains food and beverage scene, that is well loved by our locals and visitors alike, providing us with the confidence that they will deliver a truly exceptional experience for diners at the Police Cottage”, Cr McKeown said.
Shane Simpson said the opportunity to be one of the first new venues at the revitalised Regatta Park precinct on the Nepean River was one he couldn’t pass up.
“The police cottage will be a unique venue that blends its iconic history with modern contemporary dining. The menu will be modern Australian with a focus on local and sustainable produce delivering casual dining as well as quick service takeaway,” Mr Simpson said.
Constructed in 1908, the police cottage will be sensitively refurbished with the restoration of its façade, replacement work to the verandas and roof, services upgrades, internal enhancements, and the upgrade of the outdoor privy.
An extension of the deck is planned to create a 106 sq m outdoor dining area, shaded by a row of mature Jacaranda trees with river views.
Refurbishment work is set to commence early next year and be completed by the end of 2022.
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