North Wollongong’s Diggies Cafe and Kiosk is hoping to a pop-up while renovations are under way. Photo: Region Illawarra.
Diggies fans might get to enjoy their favourite brew through the winter months, after the owners teased a possible pop-up outlet while the main cafe is closed for renovations.
The future of the iconic cafe and kiosk was in doubt for a hot minute when the lease of the Wollongong City Council-owned building was put out to tender in 2025.
The owner of Diggies, North Kiosk Pty Ltd, was eventually announced as the successful party, however, their doors will still close on Sunday 22 March and stay that way for most of 2026.
The venue will be closed while council conducts the next phase of the North Wollongong Beach sea wall works and the formal lease will begin upon reopening.
The time will be used to complete fitout works and planned upgrades and ensure the venue is ready to reopen once works on the precinct are finished towards the end of this year.
It’s been an extended and turbulent process for the venue, as applications for the initial tender were too disparate to be compared. However, after direct negotiations North Beach Kiosk Pty Ltd was awarded a five-year lease, with the option to extend for a further five years after that and then another five again.
And it’s still not over the line – due to objections received the council must receive permission from the Local Government Minister to grant the lease.
In the meantime, the owners have indicated they might have a surprise up their sleeves for any disappointed regulars.
“We have been serving up sunrises with a smile since 2004,” they said online.
“22 years ago, Stan and the local Crinis family undertook a huge renovation to transform the seasonal kiosk and residence into Diggies and North Kiosk, creating a venue that so many in our community and afar have a special connection with and have celebrated special moments at.
“It is an honour for Stan and Morgan to continue the next wonderful chapter for Diggies and North Kiosk for many more sunrises to come, with plans for a fabulous new fit out and look and feel under way.
“We are working with the council on a fun pop-up venue north of the surf club during this time, so that we can continue our daily banter and brews with you.”
A council spokesperson confirmed North Beach Kiosk had applied to open a pop-up when the venue closes.
“The council is proposing to grant a short-term licence to North Kiosk Pty Ltd to operate a temporary pop-up kiosk located on part of Stuart Park,” the spokesperson said.
“The proposed pop-up kiosk will be installed for the duration of the closure of the North Beach Kiosk which is required to facilitate the council’s seawall construction works.
“The temporary kiosk will enable kiosk operations to continue during this period and will be removed once the permanent North Beach Kiosk is able to recommence trading.”
The proposed licence is on public exhibition, with submissions invited until 5 March.
It can be viewed here.
