Are you a passionate café operator looking for a unique and exciting opportunity? Look no further!
I’m a local electric bike based business, so I was very interested when Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) issued an invitation for expressions of interest for the future use of a pair of buildings in Lilyfield Rd, Rozelle.
Considering the buildings and location, I pictured a sustainable food business as part of the active transport hub I would like to see created there - right on one of Sydney’s busiest bicycle routes.
When I asked questions, I discovered there were a number of locals already working on this idea. So far, we have quite a bit of bicycle based interest and expertise. Our coalition is made up of representatives from the Inner West Bicycle Coalition, Bike Leichhardt, Ashfield BUG, Bike Marrickville, Pedal Set Go, professionals in the active transport field and enthusiastic locals.
We envisage a community hub, located on the edge of the future Rozelle Parklands, that will be a focus for active transport users, and will also serve as a destination spot for the local community. The café will be an important part of the hub, providing refreshments and a place to gather for the local community, park users and visitors.
Our vision for the hub is to create a welcoming and inclusive space where people can relax, refuel and connect after a ride or walk through the park or on their way into or out of the City. We want a space that encourages low and zero emissions transport options and helps people get the skills and confidence to use them.
We imagine a space that works for everyone - couriers starting out early, food delivery riders, kids learning to ride, sports riders, pleasure riders, those wanting to replace a car with a bike. Cargo bike pilots. Wheelchair users. Mobility scooters. Businesses looking to reduce their transport costs. Families coming to play sport on the weekends and training during the week. Locals who need a coffee or place to meet friends. Room to host the street Christmas party. Spaces for community groups to meet or plan projects. Walls to hang art. Studio space for artists and musicians. The café will be co-located with bike storage and repair services, rental services, and other amenities to make it a one-stop-shop for visitors interested in sustainable transport options. And best of all, this is a land use that requires no parking.
We are looking for hospitality operators who share our passion for sustainability. Sustainability is very important to us, and we are looking for operators who will incorporate environmentally friendly practices, source local suppliers, implement energy-efficient systems and use renewable power. We want to talk to businesses that are willing to try things to see what happens, sustainability-wise.
If you're interested in what we’d like to do at the active transport hub in Rozelle, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to create a vibrant and sustainable café that will serve as a hub for the local community and active transport users.
Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Express your interest today!
The EOI closes at 5pm on Monday 23rd January. Only those who have lodged an EOI will be invited to tender. So please, register your interest directly or me know if you’d like to be part of our process by COB on Friday 20th January.