Tea rooms' future to be discussed

The future of Umina Tea Rooms is to be discussed at a Strategy-Policy Workshop of Gosford Council.

ET Australia has operated tea rooms in the facility since July 1998 and the current five-year lease which covers this arrangement expires on June 30.

ET Australia has requested that the council clarify its intentions for the space.

The Umina Beach tea rooms are situated behind the library at the corner of West and Bullion Sts, Umina.

The operation of the tea rooms has been subsidised by ET Australia and they have advised that they are unable to continue on that basis.

In early 2002, ET Australia advised that it was ceasing operations at the tea rooms on June 30 that year.

Successful negotiation of a sponsorship arrangement has enabled continued operation to the expiration of the lease.

The council agenda stated: "A number of other community groups have expressed interest informally in utilising this space.

"The area and amenities available is quite extensive and there may be the potential for two or more groups to collaborate on a shared basis.

"In line with current council policy, an expression of interest process for community organisations which would be interested in the space may resolve this situation in the best interests of council and the community.

"Council would then enter into an occupancy agreement to confirm arrangements."

Council agenda CS.032, April 22