Expressions of Interest open to run cafe in new Flinders Chase Visitor Centre

The South Australian Department for Environment and Water is offering for lease a café and retail facility within the new Flinders Chase Visitor Centre to be located in the Western Kangaroo Island Parks Hub, adjacent to the eastern entry to Flinders Chase National Park.

The $16 million Flinders Chase Visitor Centre is currently under construction after the former building was destroyed in the 2019-20 fires with the new centre on track to open in the first half of 2024. The centre’s structural steel framing and footings are complete, and timber and roof framing are in progress.

Kangaroo Island’s tourism industry contributes about $140 million annually to the regional economy, and rebuilding key visitor infrastructure is vital for the recovery of the island and its community.

The new centre has been designed by award-winning Troppo Architects.

The University of Adelaide is partnering with the South Australian Government to build research facilities at the centre, contributing $2 million towards the project.

It is anticipated conservation groups, research partners and commercial tour operators will use the event space and that local produce will be sold from the centre.

Executive Director of National Park and Wildlife Service Mike Williams shares “we are looking for an operator who can not only create an offering centred around great food, beverages, and exceptional retail and customer service but also an operator who shares the values of the National Parks and Wildlife Service to reduce environmental impact and encourage a healthy lifestyle.”

Proposals are being sought from experienced hospitality operators who can add to this globally renowned destination, and who demonstrate the expertise and capacity to provide high-quality local food, beverage and retail service.

The open market competitive process will be conducted by way of an Expression of Interest, which will be managed by Savills - Adelaide (RLA 1786).

To request Information Memorandum, please contact the exclusive Savills leasing agents Rob Williamson and Stefan Zielonka 

Applications close Friday 31st March at 5pm (ACDT).