Susanna Freymark
An interesting business opportunity presents itself with Kyogle Council looking to lease its visitor information centre and the cafe next to it.
Kyogle Council is inviting expressions of interest from individuals, businesses or community groups to lease the Malcolm Wallis Visitor Information Centre on Summerland Way.
Situated next to the Amphitheatre Park, the potential of the place could attract some interesting ideas.
Mayor Danielle Mulholland said the Visitor Information Centre has been operated by volunteers who did an outstanding job.
“Attached to the VIC is a commercial kitchen, which has previously been leased to local food businesses,” she said.
“By leasing both the VIC and the commercial kitchen together, we are creating an opportunity for an individual or business to operate a food service while also managing the information services of the VIC. 
“This model reduces costs to council and integrates both aspects of the centre, making the venture more sustainable and potentially generating new local jobs.”
Ideally, the council would like the centre to be leased by a business that operates a minimum of five days per week (including weekends) during daytime hours, provides tourism/visitor information and a cafe style food offering.
Business ideas include mountain bike and kayak hire, and nature-based outdoor recreation and adventure sport business to maximise on visitors who wish to visit nearby attractions such as Toonumbar Dam and the Kyogle mountain bike trails.
These are ideas for now and the successful applicant will be required to enter into a formal lease agreement with council, which will include terms and conditions regarding building maintenance and cleanliness, security, and other matters. The building was been repaired after the 2022 flood.
To express your interest, submit a business proposal to Kyogle Council, in writing, by emailing council@kyogle.nsw.gov.au, or mail to PO Box 11, Kyogle, NSW, 2474. The business proposal should be no longer than 10 pages in length and must include the following information:
- A detailed description of your proposed business operations including business name, business owners, ABN, type of business or services to be provided, proposed business hours/days.
- A detailed description of how your business will contribute to the economic growth of Kyogle.
- If you are an existing business, evidence of operating a successful and compliant business.
- References from existing and/or past leases.
Expressions of interest close 4pm, Friday, August 8.
Contact the council’s Community Development manager at email council@kyoglensw.gov.au or phone 6632 1611 with questions or to discuss the proposal. Inspections of the centre are by appointment only.