Katoomba Falls kiosk is set to become a fully-fledged restaurant, with plans to knock down the old manager’s residence section and build a new wing with floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of the views.
Plans for the 110-seat restaurant and upgraded 45-seat kiosk are currently before council.
Artists’ impressions of the development show a large, high-ceilinged restaurant taking advantage of the views over the Jamison Valley.
The kiosk will be revamped in keeping with its nearly 100-year-old history. It was built in 1919 by William Miller as a refreshment rooms. It was known as the “gum leaf shelter”.
Restoration work will include reinstating some original features, such as the chimney and fretwork around the porch area, as well as opening up the porch to provide some under-cover seating.
The manager’s residence, which was added some years later, will be demolished and the new restaurant built in its place.
The kiosk and restaurant will be linked by a glass walkway.
The estimated cost of the work is $1.2 million. The DA should be determined by early 2018.
Council sought expressions of interest to run the restaurant and kiosk earlier this year. A council spokeswoman said the submissions were currently being reviewed.
“Council received a number of quality proposals from well-established restaurant and café operators,” the spokeswoman said.
