Cafe launch first step in vision for river

Published on 07 December 2018

Horsham’s long-sought-after riverside cafe on Barnes Boulevard has made a successful start since opening last weekend.

The cafe, called Blended On the Bank, launched last Sunday as an experimental first step in a vision to boost activity along the Wimmera River.

Operating out of a converted caravan, the venue runs Fridays from 5.30pm to 8.30pm and Sundays between 9am and 2pm.

Horsham Rural City Council’s Director Development Services Angela Murphy said HRCC was proud of its effort to make the project happen.

“It’s the first step in our broader vision to better promote the river as a key community recreational asset,” Ms Murphy said.

“Thank you to the Urban Infrastructure, Maintenance and Tree team staff for pulling together the River Cafe trial site on a very tight timeline.

“The site has always been ideal because its natural aspect and now it’s been fitted out with essential hospitality facilities such as power, tables and chairs, temporary fencing and an asphalt surface,” she said.

Ms Murphy said planning for a riverside cafe started early this year.

“We had a strong response when the cafe went to tender in June,” she said.

“This 12-month contract is essentially a trial to gauge patronage. There was a lot of feedback from the community about the need for a riverside cafe, so now it’s up to locals and visitors to make the most of it.

“We will also assess any site-related issues with a view to informing our long term plan for the Wimmera River.

“So far, everything is going really well,” she said.

The project is part of an overriding vision that is currently being developed for Horsham’s Central Activity District (CAD) and River Precinct.

Council’s plan is to revitalise the city as a place to live, work, play and invest.

Ms Murphy said there would be opportunity for the public to have its say on the Vision which is due for completion by June 2019.