Council hires firm for expression of interest process on Frankston Yacht Club restaurant and cafe

Council chief Dennis Hovenden said Fitzroys Pty Ltd had been hired to undertake an expression of interest process, which won’t close until next March — leaving both waterfront spaces vacant over summer.

Mr Hovenden said the lengthy expression of interest period would assist operators to “understand the attributes of the building, engage a fitout architect and secure pricing from fitout builders if their submission to council is successful”.

He said council was aiming to enter into lease agreements by June, 2017 with the cafe partially open for spring next year.

There was a “high degree of confidence” both the cafe and restaurant would be fully operational by summer 2017, Mr Hovenden said.

“The newly redeveloped Frankston Yacht Club is receiving strong interest in the cafe and restaurant as we continue to receive many inquiries for this incredible addition to Frankston’s pristine waterfront.”

The $10.7 million facility was completed months ago and so far only the yacht club has moved into its part of the building.

Negotiations broke down between council and its preferred operator for the restaurant and cafe earlier this year.

The Leader has been told a tenant was expected to pay for the flooring, ceiling and airconditioning as part of the total fitout, possibly pushing start-up costs into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.