Penrith City Council and the NSW Government have celebrated the start of construction on the refurbishment of the historic Police Cottage at Emu Plains, with an official ground-breaking ceremony.
The 113-year-old Cottage will be sensitively restored into a soon-to-be-named dining destination that will attract more visitors to the Nepean River and conserve the building's history for generations to come.
Penrith City Council's spokesperson, Karen McKeown OAM, said this is a major step forward in the revitalisation of the Nepean River precinct with activity ramping up on the Police
Cottage project, as well as construction continuing on the adjacent Regatta Park upgrade.
"The official ground-breaking is a significant milestone for the Police Cottage refurbishment, as we begin to restore the historic building to its former glory. After an innovative idea by
Council, the building will be adapted into a yet-to-be-named café and restaurant that blends heritage and modern dining with views of the Nepean River," said Ms McKeown.
"Construction has commenced on time for the Police Cottage despite a challenging year for the construction industry. We are proud to deliver this revitalisation project for our community that will contribute over $1 million in total value to the local economy, support 60 jobs on site during construction and employ a further 40-45 hospitality staff upon completion," added Ms Keown.
Member for Penrith and Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry, Stuart Ayres, said the refurbishment of the Police Cottage is supported by a $1.5 million injection by the NSW Government and a further $1 million contribution by Penrith City Council.
"It's fantastic to get shovels in the ground on this state and local government collaboration that will support jobs, restore a significant heritage building, and activate Crown land to benefit the community and tourism by creating a stunning new dining venue," Mr Ayres said.
"The restored Police Cottage will be an ideal location and drawcard for family, friends and visitors to eat, meet and relax in a prime riverfront location on the Great River Walk," Mr Ayres added.
Shane and Belinda Simpson, Penrith residents and owners of well-known lower Blue Mountains venue 2773 Café Glenbrook, have been chosen as the hospitality operators for the new restaurant. They will create a modern Australian menu with a focus on local and sustainable produce.
Council has partnered with construction company, AMA Projects, to deliver the refurbishment of the Police Cottage. The company has extensive experience in delivering heritage-focused projects and will work closely with Council to ensure the building is carefully refurbished with the restoration of the façade, replacement works to the verandahs and roof, services upgrades, internal enhancements and the upgrade of the outdoor privy.
They will also deliver an extension of the deck to create an outdoor dining area, shaded by a row of mature Jacaranda trees with views of the iconic Yandhai Nepean Crossing and the Nepean River.
Work began today on the Police Cottage with completion expected for the end of 2022. The ground-breaking event was attended by Penrith City Council spokesperson, Karen
McKeown: Penrith City Council General Manager, Warwick Winn; Member for Penrith and Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and
Industry Stuart Ayres; and the hospitality operator for the new restaurant, Shane and Belinda Simpson.
To find out more about the Police Cottage refurbishment visit the website penrith.city/policecottage
Image - Police Cottage Sod Turn: (L to R) Penrith City Council's spokesperson, Karen McKeown OAM and Hon Stuart Ayres MP join Shane and Belinda Simpson for the ground breaking to celebrate the start of construction on the refurbishment of the historic Police Cottage at Emu Plains.
