The managing director of Push Mobility is fighting for the development of an accessible cafe at Port Adelaide

A plan for a wheelchair-accessible cafe that would also double as a unique artists’ canvas has been knocked back by Port Adelaide council – but the man behind it won't give up.

The managing director of Push Mobility – an Australian disability equipment provider based in Port Adelaide – is urging the Port Adelaide Enfield council to approve his proposal for a wheelchair-accessible cafe.

Shane Hryhorec, a wheelchair user, is passionate about making spaces accessible to those living with a disability and already runs Confession, an accessible entertainment venue in Port Adelaide.

“It means a lot to me that people with disabilities are able to come and enjoy the space,” Mr Hryhorec said.

The 39-year-old said he was first interested in the dock site – consisting of two shipping containers – in August last year.

“I want to help create a happening Port Adelaide,” he said.

Port Adelaide business owner Shane Hryhorec, with the shipping container he hopes to covert into a cafe at the Port Adelaide Dock. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“There is currently nowhere on the waterfront of the inner port with a long-term secure lease that you can sit by the water and have a coffee.”

When first spotted by Mr Hryhorec, the site was owned by developer Kite Projects.

After discussions with the developer Mr Hryhorec purchased the property and has since made it his mission to turn it into an accessible wonderland.

Mr Hryhorec said he plans for the accessible cafe to look over the water and provide indoor and outdoor dining.

The proposal outlines that the exterior of the cafe will be a canvas for “an evolving art installation for local artists”.

The cafe will be sustainable and will strive to have a small environmental impact. Picture: Brenton Edwards

The cafe is proposed to have solar panels, greenery inside and outside, and will strive to have a small environmental footprint.

The site already as a Disability Discrimination Act compliant bathroom and step-free access.

Mr Hryhorec put in his proposal with the council on December 22 last year.

“My initial discussions with council staff indicated that the proposal would be fine and that I may even be able to access a five-year lease,” Mr Hryhorec said.

The proposal was reviewed at a council meeting on March 14 but was knocked back due to a fifty-fifty split of votes – with the Mayor Claire Boan objecting to the proposal.

“In a recent meeting with the council I was told that it may feel like I’m being put through the ringer, but that everyone needs to go through that process,” Mr Hryhorec said.

“It’s a shame that people are being put through the ringer just to open businesses in Port Adelaide.

Shane Hryhorec is now seeking feedback from the Port Adelaide community. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“Most people would have given up by now, but I’m not going to give up, I’m going to keep fighting and working with the council to open up an accessible cafe in this space.”

The council has requested that a further report be brought forward after community consultation.

A Port Adelaide Enfield spokesman confirmed the council is working with the applicant to assess the proposal.

“Council have suggested that they see merit in a cafe in or near the Dock One/Port precinct, however this portion of land is important open space,” the spokesman said.

“This means that we need to consider the benefits of having a cafe on this space, but also contrast this with the benefits of having open space.”

The council said the issue was the shipping containers were sitting on council-owned community “greenspace” land which was agreed to be a sales office for the developer, not a cafe.

“This does not allow a change in use to simply become a cafe, and is also a breach of their agreement with the council,” the council spokesman said.

Mr Hryhorec said it’s his understanding that the developer had originally set up the shipping containers to be a cafe – with a couple of businesses looking to run it before Covid hit in 2020.

Since purchasing the site, Mr Hryhorec has received several comments of praise via social media with many community members encouraging the development.

“Someone wrote a comment on social media and I was welling up with goosebumps reading about what it means for someone with a disability to be able to have a coffee and look over the water,” he said.