Construction has started on the refurbishment of an historic Police Cottage on Crown land at Emu Plains with an official ground-breaking ceremony.
The 113-year-old cottage will be sensitively restored into a soon-to-be-named new dining destination that will attract more visitors to the Nepean River and conserve the building's history for generations to come.
The refurbishment of the Police Cottage is supported by $1.5 million from Crown Lands and a further $1 million from Penrith City Council.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney and Minister for Trade and Industry, Stuart Ayres, attended the sod-turning on behalf of the NSW Government.
"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."
Penrith City Council spokesperson Karen McKeown said the Police Cottage project is a major step forward in the revitalisation of the Nepean River precinct, as well as continuing upgrades on the adjacent Regatta Park.
"Construction has commenced on time for the Police Cottage despite a challenging year for the construction industry," Ms McKeown said.
"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."
The building will be carefully refurbished including restoration of the façade, replacement work to the verandahs and roof, services upgrades, internal enhancements, upgrade of the outdoor privy, and extension of the deck to create an outdoor dining area shaded by jacaranda trees with views of the iconic Yandhai Nepean Crossing and Nepean River.
Penrith residents Shane and Belinda Simpson, who operate the lower Blue Mountains venue 2773 Café Glenbrook, are the successful tenderers who will operate the new venue with a modern Australian menu based on local sustainable produce.
Refurbishment of the Police Cottage is due to be completed by the end of 2022.
Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres; Penrith City Council's Karen McKeown and Warwick Winn; and hospitality operators Shane and Belinda Simpson at the sod-turning.
