Plans revealed for new cafe at old oyster farm hut site in Taren Point

An old WWII hut used on an oyster farm in Taren Point will be conserved and renovated as part of plans for a new cafe on a popular foreshore walking track.

An Anglicare proposal seeks approval to build a cafe for 100 patrons on the site of an old oyster farm in Taren Point. Picture: Anglicare

An old dilapidated hut located on the site of a former oyster farm in the Sutherland Shire is expected to get a second lease on life next to a new cafe.

The Sutherland Shire planning panel will assess a development application for the 100-patron venue and renovation of the heritage hut in Taren Point next week.

The application seeks approval to demolish existing industrial building and timber sheds on the site at 1A Atkinson Road to make way for the single storey cafe which will have 76 internal and 24 external seats.

Anglicare will develop the site for a cost of about $4.6m and run the cafe.

The application also proposes to carry out conservation work on the dilapidated heritage building, built in a heritage Nissen hut style, which will be used for cafe storage.

There is a plan to conserve a dilapidated heritage building, built in a heritage Nissan hut style, which will be used for cafe storage. Picture: Anglicare

“The applicant indicates the cafe will be owned and operated by Anglicare and will provide additional services to the existing aged care facility as well as serving the wider local community by virtue of its location,” council documents said.

“The applicant has stated seven to 10 staff will be required to operate the premises and the hours of operation will be indoor from Monday to Saturday, 6am to 10pm and Sunday from 8am to 9pm, with licensed hours from 10am to 9pm.”

The outdoor area will close at 9pm.

An artist’s impression of the rear of the cafe. Picture: Anglicare

There will also be on site parking for six cars, walkways and landscaping works.

Inside there will be a dining area, kitchen and toilets, with a partially covered external area for pedestrian access and external seating.

The cafe will also connect to the existing council bike path and boardwalk via paths and ramp because the site is located on the foreshore area of Woolooware Bay.

Anglicare residential aged care facility adjoins the site as does an industrial unit.

The site of the proposed development. Picture: Anglicare

Council documents said a dilapidated Nissen hut from circa 1916, which was an item of heritage significance, was located on adjoining Roads and Maritime Services owned land and will be retained and restored by the Anglicare as a storage space for the cafe.

A Nissen hut is a prefabricated steel structure designed for military use made from a half-cylindrical skin of corrugated iron.

The hut is part of other heritage items near the site, including a heritage oyster jetty from the post war period which has been conserved by previous works.

The plans were exhibited and no submissions were received.

The council recommendation to the panel was to approve the development.