BUSSELTON’S Old Fire Station in Queen Street is poised to become a “Melbourne style small bar experience” which will also comprise an eating area.
The council will be asked to enter into a lease agreement with the group that operates Dunsborough’s Pour House, formerly the Malt Market Bar.
The lease term is proposed over 20 years, with an initial five years and three more five-year options
The first year will be rent free building to $45,000 in the fifth year and steadying at $55,000 from the start of year six.
The proposed lessee, Butetimes, has guaranteed to spend $190,000 restoring and renovating the municipal heritage-listed building and proposes to spend a further $125,000 on an internal bar and kitchen fittings.
A city staff report to go to next week’s council meeting describes the project as consisting of a cosy wine bar, driven by Italian pizza and Italian small plate food – a compact restaurant with a quality, affordable menu.
It is proposed to keep the existing building as intact as possible and return it to its original colour scheme and similar heritage colours of the era (1930s).
The bar/cafe will also include a courtyard area on the southern side, facing Mitchell Park.
The primary target market will be people aged from 25-45, although a wider more mature customer profile would be drawn into the venue because of what would be offered and the relaxed ambience of the venue.
The report said it was initially disappointing that only one submission was received for the building, however it was assessed as high and consistent with the council’s vision for the building and for a more vibrant CBD.