Art Gallery of Ballarat seeking new cafe operator

Multiple lockdowns halted the tender process for a new operator after Sara Kittelty, of Kittelty's, decided not to renew the lease for the Lydiard Street premises on July 1, last year.

But the cafe, which was previously known for its specialist cakes and coffee, is now ready for a new operator to come on board.

Art Gallery of Ballarat director Louise Tegart said the cafe was an integral part of the gallery experience.

"We will work closely with the gallery in establishing a business that will complement the experience of the gallery because I think visitors have an expectation now, when they come to a gallery, of the whole experience," Ms Tegart said.

"It's not just looking at art. It's coffee, it's looking in the shop, it's taking part in the programs. The cafe is really integral in our offering."

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Ms Tegart said the cafe provided a unique opportunity for a new operator to work in Ballarat's heritage precinct.

"It's ready for a fantastic operator to step in. I think probably because of COVID there has been a number of businesses close along here so there is not a cafe shop on Lydiard Street anymore," she said.

"That's a real opportunity for someone to come in and make a stamp on this part of the city, right in the heart of the heritage precinct.

"We get over 200,000 visitors a year but the cafe also can have its own audience outside the gallery so that's the thing about being in town, being near GovHub, there's an opportunity there for the cafe to establish its own identity."

Ms Tegart said as well as visitors to the city, the cafe was a popular choice for Art Gallery of Ballarat guides, regular customers and Ballarat workers.

The cafe caters for the gallery's evening events and can be hired for events.

The new cafe operator will have the opportunity to secure tenure of the premises beyond the three-year term.

Ms Kittelty operated the cafe for almost five years.

Expressions of interest opened this week and close on August 15. To submit a tender, visit the City of Ballarat website or via the link Tenders | City of Ballarat

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