EMPTY FOR SUMMER
Almost two years after beach icon vacated, council still considering tenants.
GEELONG’S prominent Eastern Beach Kiosk venue remains empty, with waterfront visitors unlikely to access the two-storey building this summer.
While tenders for a new operator closed in June, the City of Greater Geelong has yet to settle on a preferred tenant for the valuable space.
Even when it does lock in a new business, the need for any maintenance upgrades may push out the opening further.
It has been almost 20 months since The Beach House restaurant closed unexpectedly in April last year, due to financial issues.
The council said in December last year it would like to see a new tenant ready to trade by this month.
However, investment and attraction director Brett Luxford told the Geelong Adver- tiser that a decision was still to be made.
“Our EOI process ... attracted interest from local and interstate applicants,” Mr Luxford said. “The city has entered into a select tender process with those shortlisted.”
He did not commit to an opening date, while leaving open the prospect that further improvements may be needed to satisfy the new operator.
“An opening date for the new business will be negotiated with the successful applicant and will be dependent on any capital works required by the new tenant,” he said.
“Ongoing maintenance is being negotiated as part of the select tender process.”
Letting agent Andrew Lewis said in May the council was open to talks about the level of public investment in the 650sq m property.
“Lessors can take it and rent it as is, or the council can put some money in and they can pay an increased rental,” Mr Lewis said.
While there must be a hospitality arm, other uses such as a gym, spa or functions centre are also considered suitable.
To address the lack of food and beverage options, Mr Luxford said food trucks would trade around the swimming enclosure area.
Several operators set up last summer, with daily operations in school and public holidays.