New operators identified

A new tenant has been identified for the Fremantle Arts Centre café and Fremantle Leisure Centre kiosk following a public EOI process.

Gavin and Penny Wilcock are the owners of G.A.P.’s Kitchen, a successful catering business operating for the past five years.

The couple have been looking for the right opportunity to live and work in WA and believe they’ve found it in Fremantle.

“It’s humbling to have our achievements recognised and valued.  We started our business from nothing, making jams and chutneys and have built it into a thriving company,” Gavin said.

On Wednesday night, the City of Fremantle Council voted in favour of a committee recommendation to approve the essential terms of both leases and name G.A.P.’s Kitchen as the preferred operator.

Council was informed that the applicant had participated in a competitive EOI process and was selected unanimously by the panel.

Prior to starting his own business delivering high-quality food and kitchen management, Gavin was an executive chef with the InterContinental Hotel Group for 18 years.

Council approved the applicant’s request for a ten-year lease on both premises.

Following Council’s approval of the essential terms, the City will now develop and finalise a lease for consideration by the tenant.

Fremantle Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said she’s pleased with the progress made.

“It's important from a Council and community perspective that we get on with re-opening these food and beverage outlets in two of the City’s most popular facilities.

“The chosen operator has a track-record of working with communities to create appropriate and interesting menus and I think they could be a real asset to Fremantle.

“Council’s decision reinforces our desire to attract new business to Fremantle.  Gavin and Penny are making a lifestyle choice to relocate here and dedicate themselves to this new opportunity,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

Gavin, who was an executive chef at The Esplanade Hotel for two years, said he looks forward to returning to Fremantle and serving the loyal and varied customers of each venue.

“We want to build trust in the community and get a feeling for what they want to eat in these places,” Gavin said.

The City will undertake small works at both premises to ensure they’re compliant and ready for the new operator to move in.

In the meantime, the City is working to secure temporary food and beverage options at both venues for patrons to enjoy over summer.