Penrith City Council is pleased to announce renowned retailer 2773 Café Glenbrook will be the food and beverage operator for the soon to be refurbished historic Police Cottage at Emu Plains following a tender process.
Owners of 2773 Café Glenbrook (2773) and Penrith residents, Shane and Belinda Simpson, share Council’s vision to bring the cottage back to life with a new café and restaurant that blends heritage and modern dining, creating a vibrant destination on the Nepean River.
Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said Council’s refurbishment of the Police Cottage is a key part of the revitalisation of the Nepean River to create a new recreation, dining and entertainment precinct.
“We chose Shane and Belinda Simpson as the hospitality operator for the Police Cottage as their passion for the local community shone through in their application. Their current café, 2773, is a staple in the lower Blue Mountains food and beverage scene, that is well loved by our locals and visitors alike, providing us with the confidence that they will deliver a truly exceptional experience for diners at the Police Cottage”, Cr McKeown said.
“During the competitive tender process, Shane and Belinda demonstrated an appreciation for preserving the history of the building as well as having extensive experience running multiple successful venues in the local area. Together we can ensure this important heritage building will be celebrated and conserved for years to come,” Cr McKeown added.
Owners of 2773 Café Glenbrook Shane and Belinda Simpson are thrilled to be chosen as the operators of the Police Cottage.
“The opportunity to be one of the first new venues at the revitalised Regatta Park precinct on the Nepean River, was one we just couldn’t pass up. As local residents we love the area and were excited by Penrith City
Council’s plans to reinvigorate the Police Cottage into a new café and restaurant,” Shane said.
“While reminiscent of 2773 with outdoor dining and heritage interiors, the Police Cottage will be a unique venue that blends its iconic history with modern contemporary dining while celebrating its location on the Nepean River. The menu will be modern Australian with a focus on local and sustainable produce delivering casual dining as well as quick service takeaway,” Shane added.
Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said the refurbishment of the Police Cottage is supported by a $1.5 million injection by the NSW Government with a further $1 million contribution by Penrith City Council.
“The restored Police Cottage will be a highly sought-after venue due to its prime riverfront location on the Great River Walk adjacent to the Yandhai Nepean Crossing,” Mr Ayres said.
“It will provide an ideal place for family, friends and visitors to eat, meet and relax while soaking up the magnificent views of the river.”
“This project is a great example of how we can preserve and celebrate our history while supporting business and providing new food and beverage facilities for the community,” Mr Ayres added.
Constructed in 1908, the Police Cottage was the purpose-built police station and residence for Emu Plains. The building will be sensitively refurbished with the restoration of the façade, replacement works to the verandas and roof, services upgrades, internal enhancements and the upgrade of the outdoor privy.
An extension of the deck is also proposed to create a 106 sqm outdoor dining area, shaded by a row of mature Jacaranda trees with views of the iconic Yandhai Nepean Crossing and the Nepean River.
The construction partner for the Police Cottage has been chosen as AMA Projects Pty Ltd with works set to commence early next year and completion expected for the end of 2022.
To find out more about the Police Cottage visit the website www.penrith.city/policecottage
About 2773 Café Glenbrook
2773 Café Glenbrook is a family friendly café by day and a glorious restaurant by night, the perfect destination for friends and families to eat, connect and play. Shane and Belinda started the café in December 2013, and it has grown in popularity ever since. It’s named after the postcode and is a celebration of everything to love about the Blue Mountains.
