Council opens expressions of interest for new cafe as part of Lake Macquarie Multi-Art Pavilion

Lake Macquarie City Council has opened expressions of interest for the cafe or restaurant that will form part of the Lake Macquarie Multi-Art Pavilion.

Construction on the $3.5 million pavilion began in January, and it is due for completion mid-year.

Manager arts, culture and tourism Jacqui Hemsley said the council had high hopes for the hub. "Opening out on to Speers Point Park with unprecedented lake views, the fully-licensed cafe/restaurant will quickly become a popular meeting point for locals and visitors to the park, especially in the warmer months," Ms Hemsley said yesterday.

"This cafe will be an integral part of the visitor experience to the new facility.

"[The pavilion] is expected to attract an additional 45,000 visitors a year, in addition to the 250,000 visitors who attend Speers Point Park each year."

The site has capacity for 30 diners and is expected to be open during the hub's business hours as well as available for after-hours private hire.

Submissions close at 4pm on March 1, with successful operators advised to expect operating in June.

Approved last year, the council billed the pavilion as the first of its kind on Australia's east coast.

It is expected to provide a platform for multimedia exhibitions, contemporary installations, performance, music and events.