Cafe first step in river vision

Horsham’s riverside cafe on Barnes Boulevard has made a successful start since opening in the past fortnight.

The cafe, called Blended On the Bank, represents an experimental first step in a civic vision to boost activity along the Wimmera River in Horsham.

Operating out of a converted caravan, the cafe runs Fridays from 5.30pm to 8.30pm and Sundays between 9am and 2pm.

Horsham Rural City Council development services director Angela Murphy said the council was proud of its effort to make the project happen.

“It’s the first step in our broader vision to better promote the river as a key community recreational asset,” she said.

“Thank you to the Urban Infrastructure, Maintenance and Tree team staff for pulling together the river cafe trial site on a very tight timeline.

“The site has always been ideal because of its natural aspect and now it’s been fitted out with essential hospitality facilities such as power, tables and chairs, temporary fencing and an asphalt surface.”

Ms Murphy said planning for a riverside cafe started early this year.

“We had a strong response when the cafe went to tender in June,” she said.

This 12-month contract is essentially a trial to gauge patronage. There was a lot of feedback from the community about the need for a riverside cafe, so now it’s up to locals and visitors to make the most of it.

“We will also assess any site-related issues with a view to informing our long term plan for the Wimmera River. So far, everything is going really well.”

The project is part of an overriding vision being developed for Horsham’s central activity district and river precinct.