Thank you to everyone who participated in our community engagement on the proposed lease to Same Pty Ltd to operate a café within the new Dendy Street Beach Pavilion.

Between 19 October – 2 November 2022, we heard from 66 community members via online survey and a Q&A forum about their views on this proposed lease.

Support and concerns:

Community feedback showed 43% of respondents were generally supportive of the proposal and/or were satisfied with the proposed tenant’s suitability to run a café at the Dendy Street Beach Pavilion.

Common reasons for support included the sustainability initiatives outlined in the proposal, suitability of the tenant, the lease terms and general support for a new local café.

Community feedback showed 9% of respondents had mixed views: preferring an earlier lease review and/or stronger sustainability requirements. A further 9% of respondents were neutral or provided feedback in the form of questions.

There was also some opposition (39%) to the lease proposal. Common concerns included the length of the lease being too long, the overall quality of future food offerings, and one company holding leases for two foreshore cafes within close proximity.

What we’re doing:

Council officers are recommending that the lease to Same Pty Ltd proceed on the basis that:

  • the proposed lease to Same Pty Ltd presented the best financial option
  • the proposed tenant has a proven track record of foreshore café performance and a polished proposal to fund the fit-out of the café which will integrate into the beach side location
  • awarding the lease will enable the fit out of the café to commence and for the café to be opened to service the community once the new Dendy Street Beach Pavilion is constructed.
  • environmental and logistic questions raised through community feedback will be addressed through Council’s standard terms and conditions, including the Environmental Management Plan.

Community engagement summary report

Next steps:

Council will consider a report on community feedback and a Heads of Agreement Lease for Same Pty Ltd to operate a café within the new Dendy Street Beach Pavilion at its December meeting.

Council meeting 6.30pm, 20 December