New operator named for Fremantle’s Arts Centre café and Leisure Centre kiosk

The City of Fremantle Council has named Gavin and Penny Wilcock - the owners of G.A.P.’s Kitchen – as the preferred operator for both the Fremantle Arts Centre café and Fremantle Leisure Centre kiosk following a public EOI process.

G.A.P.’s Kitchen is a successful catering business operating for the past five years with Gavin and Penny Wilcock having been looking for the right opportunity to live and work in WA and believe they’ve found it in Fremantle.

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

Wilcock shared “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.”

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

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 and added “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.”

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.