The Log Cabin, Penrith: Pop-up cafe revealed at former hotel site

Western Sydney food lovers could be set to experience cafe heaven on the banks of the Nepean River after plans for yet another dining precinct is revealed.

Plans for a contemporary, pop-up cafe have been revealed for half of the former Log Cabin Hotel site on the banks of the Nepean River — earmarking the continued expansion of a food-lover’s paradise.

What the Log Cabin Cafe could look like.

Last week, developers revealed plans for the Log Cabin Cafe on the southern site of the

Yandhai Nepean Crossing at the former hotel site as an interim dining precinct at 16 Memorial Ave, Penrith.

“The highest and best use may indeed be another form of development, however for now, the owners wish to activate the site with a contemporary adaptation of a ‘pop-up’ café,” a developer for the proposal said.

The dining area overlooking the Nepean River.

Plans revealed the cafe will be built out of a 12.4m shipping container on the site, used as a kitchen and servery space, while an expansive pergola is planned for diners.

The planner said the Log Cabin Cafe would be open 7am to 7pm, seven days a week.

The latest plans for the former Log Cabin site comes after the Penrith Press revealed a third cafe for the riverside precinctat Emu Plains alongside playgrounds, a public event space and pavilion as part of the multimillion redevelopment of Regatta Park at River Rd.

A look at the future Pavilion, featuring another cafe, at Regatta Park Emu Plains.

The $2.96 million finalised plans for the long-awaited redevelopment of the community space was submitted through Penrith Council on May 19 — almost eight years after the first masterplan for the riverside community precinct was first mooted.

The new cafe will be just metres from award-winning restaurant Emu Hall and a future cafe proposed for the historic 113-year old Emu Plains police cottage.

Meanwhile, on the eastern shores of the river, construction continues for the revival of the Log Cabin by Laundy Hotels.

Emu Hall at Emu Plains will have new neighbours with two new cafes planned. Picture: John Appleyard

A planner for the project said the Regatta Park precinct upgrade was a “longstanding community aspiration”, which was now on track following Federal Government funding secured in the 2020 Budget.

“The upgrade of the river park plays an important role in realising the ambition to re-embrace the Nepean River as a significant open space asset,” the planner said.

“The development of a dining precinct is envisaged to increase visitation and utilisation of the Regatta Park precinct.”

An overview of the redevelopment.

The planner said the creation of a dining precinct at Regatta Park has been a cornerstone of the masterplan since 2013.

Plans confirmed in the first stage of the revitalisation plan for the site include an “enclosed cafe with kitchen and semi-enclosed covered seating area to provide dining and takeaway food and drink premises”.

This space provides a walkway that moves through the pavilion and provides access to the lower levels of the park and river itself,” the project planner said.

The pavilion will also include a covered and open playground featuring a water splash area alongside community facilities for gatherings.

Artist impressions for Regatta Park.

The planner said the cafe would operate from 7am to 4pm, seven days a week and be owned by Penrith Council.

“There are no other operational restrictions on the pavilion however, no illumination is provided which will therefore limit use of those spaces to daylight periods.”

The Regatta Park pavilion makes up the first stage of the $24 million upgrade featuring revamped sporting areas, outdoor gym equipment, an adventure plan space as well as barbecue and picnic spaces.

The historic police cottage at Punt Rd will also be a cafe or restaurant.

Finalised plans for the third dining precinct near Regatta Park comes just weeks after Penrith Council confirmed it would contribute $1 million alongside the NSW Government’s commitment of $1.5 million for the redevelopment of the Punt Rd police cottage, adjacent to Emu Hall, into a “waterfront dining venue”.