Moruya’s ‘Old Cheese Factory’: Proposal to restore historic factory to its former glory
Plans to turn bring cheese-making back to the ‘Old Cheese Factory’ 50 years after the Moruya Cooperative Dairy closed on the South Coast aim to turn into an artisan food and beverage tourism destination.
The South Coast News
Don't miss out on the headlines from The South Coast News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
An owner of a former cheese factory building in Moruya has plans to reopen the historic facility as a family-friendly food and beverage destination.
The proposal to open the new Moruya Artisan Factory includes the reintroduction of cheesemaking at the Old Cheese Factory in Hawdon Street, almost 50 years after the Moruya Cooperative Dairy closed at the facility.
The development application includes plans for cheese manufacture, a microbrewery, factory cafe and an animal feed and supplements business at the premises.
Owner Suzanne Melotte outlined her plans for the boutique businesses in a detail concept document to the Eurobodalla Shire Council. It is hoped the businesses will help showcase the history and produce of the region.
“The cheese production will produce artisan-style cheeses utilising locally procured milk with the cheese being served in the factory cafe, in their platters and pizzas,” she wrote.
“The cheese will be packaged to be sold onsite and to the local businesses and restaurants. The craft beer will utilise local grown hops and with sampling to be offered in the factory cafe and to be sold in kegs to the licenced businesses and restaurants.
“These two boutique businesses will be supported by ‘GraniteTown’ the Factory cafe. The GraniteTown menu will showcase all the local produce from Eurobodalla, offering a simple menu of pizza and ploughman platters utilising the local produce, cured meats and cheeses produced in the Eurobodalla region.”
In keeping with the sustainability philosophy at the factory, by-products from brewing, cheesemaking such as grain, hops and whey will be used in the production of animal feed and agricultural soil supplements.
All food product waste from the cafe will be used in Bokashi-technique composting.
Alterations to the building include a disabled access ramp, large, retractable glazed wall to enclose the existing veranda, water tanks, additional carport to existing apartment.
Ms Melotte also plans to co-develop and facilitate cheesemaking and microbrewing alongside Moruya TAFE, according to the application.
“The Moruya Artisan Factory will provide the lecture and production facilities, the lecturers required to deliver the TAFE Certificate course in both Cheese-Making and Microbrewing can be provided by the Moruya Artisan Factory and guest lecturers from leading industry businesses.”
A proposal to open the Moruya Artisan Factory is on exhibition on the Eurobodalla Shire Council’s website until April 29.