Project Information
The Café located at 34 Homestead Road in Berwick, was previously operated by Council until March 2020 when it was temporarily closed due to the pandemic.
While a decision was made that Council would no longer operate the café once restrictions were lifted, community consultation undertaken early in 2021 found there was strong support for a café at the site. Since January this year, a takeaway café service has been operating.
Council is now seeking expressions of interest from a third-party hospitality provider to run the Homestead space as a dine-in and take-away café under a lease arrangement. The 25-acre Old Cheese Factory site is a historic venue that offers space for community activities and workshops, picturesque gardens, playground, buildings and grounds that can be hired for functions. It is anticipated that in addition to running a dine-in café, the new operator would also have capacity to provide a limited catering service for events held at the Old Cheese Factory.
The Old Cheese Factory is one of Council’s most popular facilities, attracting locals and tourists who come to explore the heritage buildings, gardens, take part in regular activities, or visit the regular farmers’ market. We are keen to hear from suitably qualified and experienced cafe operators who are interested in operating the cafe in the Homestead space and reinvigorating this much-loved facility.
Expressions of interest are being accepted until 5.00pm 25 August 2022.
Please view/complete the following documents as part of your application:
For more information, visit Council’s website or contact Kristy Pole, Coordinator Old Cheese Factory via email: kpole@casey.vic.gov.au or 0400 345 583
