The 1970s fuel depot on the corner of Grant and Barkly streets was at one stage used as a nursery, but has long sat dormant, and has had no major changes since it was a Mobil petrol station. 

Locals Mick Staley and Sam Fraser hope to transform the long-maligned Golden Point site with its iconic rotunda into a cafe called Drive.

The large rotunda is forecast to be painted charcoal, with large sign writing bearing the cafe’s name. The existing building is proposed to be be transformed into an open dining space, equipped with a small kitchen and bar, with outdoor dining in the warmer months. 

The development will be considered at an ordinary City of Ballarat council meeting on October 3. Council officers have recommended the cafe be granted a planning permit for the building and receive a liquor license for the premises, with a number of conditions. 

There were seven objections made to the planning application, based on service of alcohol in a residential area and amenity. Mediation meetings were held in August. 

There’s no question the new venture will be a family affair, with Mr Staley and Ms Fraser’s children Jarrah and Ruby having wide hospitality experience.

Mr Staley said the cafe could become a focal point for the area’s increasingly younger demographic. 

“Our whole plan is about it being a community space. We want to incorporate the people around it, try to pull the local community together and get a bit of community involvement happening.”

In a report to be tabled at next week’s meeting, council officers state Drive could provide a new food and beverage experience to Golden Point. 

“The granting of a planning permit for this licence will contribute to the economic strength of Ballarat and provide additional employment opportunities,” the council officer stated. 

Mr Staley said if the cafe at 227 Grant Street received planning approval from council and the matter was not referred to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, the premises would open in early 2019.