In February this year the Eden Chamber of Commerce Executive & Committee announced their success in obtaining funding through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant Program. This funding allowed for 4 containers to house hospitality businesses within the Snug wharf area in Eden. These containers will be fully fitted out specifically for a Café, Take Away, Restaurant style and, potentially, a fresh seafood vendor.
Eden Chamber of Commerce President, Eric Wolske, and he stated, “The first instalment of funding has been received which allowed us to initiate the build process of the containers earlier in May.”
“This is very exciting for everyone involved, and the Port Containers project manager has been extremely helpful in getting this project off the ground. It’s all happening”, Mr Wolske said.
The Eden Chamber of Commerce are working towards a peak tourism timeline and will endeavour to have them completed, delivered and installed late August to early September 2022 – just in time for whale season and the Eden Whale Festival, the school holidays and of course the recommencement of the cruise ship visitation.
Behind these scenes, there are many elements that are being worked on and a number of project milestones to be met. Mr. Wolske said “Most importantly, based on more recent conversations with Property NSW, we have lodged a request with Property NSW recommending that we incorporate the hospitality businesses into the old Wharf Building footprint.”
“Placement in this area will certainly be complimentary to the recently completed (and Award winning) Eden Welcome Centre, create a very social atmosphere with a ‘quirky’ feel and free up those valuable car parking spaces close to the public amenities block and for visitors”, he said.
Further to this, Mr Wolske went on to say “now that the container build has commenced, we will be issuing the Expression of Interest (EOI) for engagement of a Real Estate Agency to manage the commercial aspects of the container leasing including the drafting of an appropriate lease agreement for tenants. Once the Real Estate Agent is appointed, the EOI for engagement of Hospitality businesses will commence.”
“We hope to have the EOI process well and truly under way before June”, he said.
Anyone wanting further information about this project or any other community led project, please visit the (Eden Community Access Centre website at www.eden.nsw.au