Emu Plains: Old police station could get a new lease on life

A historic building on the banks of the Nepean River could soon get a new lease on life under plans lodged with Penrith Council.

The old police station and residence in Emu Plains could become a cafe under a proposal lodged by Penrith Council. Picture: Supplied

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XS Espresso in Emu Plains has been a massive success story since moving into Emu Hall late last year, and now Penrith Council plans to turn another heritage-listed, riverside building into a cafe.

The old police station and residence on Punt Rd will be fitted out as a cafe as part of the council’s plans to revamp the Regatta Park precinct.

The heritage-listed building was first built between 1864 and 1867 and consisted of a simple timber slab cottage with a timber shingle roof. It was later clad with weatherboards and a galvanised iron roof.

The old policeman's residence was built in 1908 before being damaged by a fire in 1996. It could become a cafe under new plans. Picture: Supplied

An associated brick building was built in 1908.

The site was used as a police station until 1921 when it became used as a private residence leased through Penrith City Council.

The original building was destroyed in a fire in 1996, and the stone footings are still visible. The brick building survived the fire with less damage.

The proposal would see the building change to a food premises with the ability to serve alcohol.

The main cafe/bar would be located in a room that is currently a bathroom.

The building would remain under the control of council and would be leased out to a potential tenant.

The bathroom in the old policeman's residence that could become the main cafe/bar area of a cafe. Picture: Supplied

According to a DA document, the tenant would be responsible for any documentation required before the cafe/restaurant opened to the public, including any relevant liquor license and a food premises registration form.

Council’s current plans would not see any parking built on site, as parking is already included in the Regatta Park revamp.

There would also be some restorative work done on the building, and a new kitchen built in the original kitchen/laundry wing.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said the council’s vision was to bring the building back to life.

“We want to create a destinational dining offering, through an adaptive reuse of the property that transforms the site into a café and restaurant, with outside seating that offers diners magnificent views of the Nepean River,” Cr McKeown said.

“The development application, currently on public exhibition, is an important milestone in the restoration and an exciting step towards the transformation of the site into a heritage feature for Penrith.”