Your business could boast views like this if it’s selected for Wollongong Botanic Garden. Photos: Jen White.
If you have a business idea that just needs the right location, you could be in luck.
The Wollongong Botanic Garden is open to business proposals from cafes to education and ecotourism that would complement the garden.
Wollongong City Council has opened a formal request for proposals until 29 January, the first cab off the rank under the freshly-minted Wollongong Botanic Garden Masterplan.
The masterplan provides a 10-year program of projects and services to enhance the garden and includes seeking tenders for cafes and other businesses on-site.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said the request for proposals was driven by strong community support.
“Through the engagement process, we heard loud and clear that our community wants the council to grow the visitor experience and hospitality aspects of this much-loved site,” councillor Brown said.
“Rather than making a box and trying to fit an idea into it, we’re going the other way.
“We want to hear the ideas, see how they can support our long-term vision for Wollongong Botanic Garden, and then work with operators willing to invest and to bring them to life.
“We’re inviting proposals of all shapes and sizes that support economic development, community engagement, and place activation at the garden.
“Concepts will be assessed on creativity, feasibility, compliance, sustainability and value for money. We’re open to innovative delivery models and commercial partnerships, so think big!”
The proposals must tie in with one or more of the masterplan objectives: incorporating environmental education, or ecotourism activities; providing a food and beverage offering; collaborating with existing site users and complementing garden events; and offering opportunities to act as a visitor information hub for the broader botanic garden.
Cr Brown said the approach to market was one of several actions planned to grow what is already one of Wollongong’s best spots.
“The council has also budgeted to restore and reopen Kawasaki Bridge, build new accessible toilet facilities, renew our nursery glasshouse and depot, and continue with heritage restoration works on Gleniffer Brae manor house and gardens,” she said.
“These renewals are among a range of projects over the next decade to enhance service delivery and ensure the garden can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike into the future.”
Proposals are welcome through Tenderlink until 29 January. Interested parties are invited to attend an on-site inspection at Wollongong Botanic Garden on 12 January at 2 pm.
