Artist impression of the proposed alterations and additions for The Brew. Photos: Sewell Design.
Wagga City Council unanimously approved a $515,000 development application for Turvey Park cafe The Brew to expand its offering and improve accessibility.
Owners of the popular cafe sought approval for alternations to the existing building including the construction of a neighbourhood shop, a breezeway providing an accessible entrance, a deck area to the rear of the building and internal reconfiguration of the existing cafe.
The Brew owner Kim Wilson said the renovations would enhance and strengthen Turvey Park and improve accessibility for her customers, some of whom use wheelchairs, prams and other mobility devices.
Ms Wilson said at the time she bought the building she was disappointed by its lack of ramp access.
She said one of her regulars in a wheelchair, who lives by himself and visits the cafe daily to order food, was particularly excited about the renovations.
“He waits out in the cold and the staff and I want the renovations done so he can come inside the cafe,” she said.
“We will also have disabled toilets, so the customer doesn’t have to get home quickly. It will allow him to stay as long as he wants at the cafe.”
Ms Wilson said the cafe also needed a deck to accommodate customers in unfavourable weather conditions such as rain or extreme summer heat.
“When we have staff on [rainy days], I never turn them away. I believe if you’ve been given a shift, you have it,” she said.
“I wear the cost when it rains.”
The new shop will offer takeaway meals, which Ms Wilson said have been in demand since the cafe’s opening.
The renovations will also allow the cafe to answer heavy demand for catering – something they had been unable to accommodate with the current facilities.
“We will also have a cool room, which will allow us to do catering and suppliers won’t have to deliver the milk, fruits, vegetables and meat every day,” she said.
“It will save them (suppliers) time as they can deliver every three days.”
The cafe owner said small cafes could play an essential role in community mental health by allowing people to get out and enjoy a coffee in a safe place.
She said she planned to “sit and connect with people, especially those who are alone”.
“You never know what’s going on in people’s lives,” she said.
“We’re (cafe staff and customers) excited about the plans, what they can bring and how we can help with mental health.
“I think we have a responsibility to the community and we can all do better.”
Ms Wilson said the cafe will have less seating and less noise with the new infrastructure but is not worried about it.
She added parking has never been an issue at the cafe with their quick takeaways and plenty of foot traffic from locals.
Councillor Dan Hayes and Councillor Tim Koschel voiced their support for the development.
Councillor Amelia Parkins welcomed the cafe’s approach to inclusivity and its importance for mental health.
“People have been more alienated than ever before and having the opportunity in neighbourhood areas that are safe and inviting is important for the whole community,” she said.
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