A NEW café is in the works for the Hewett Centre.

The centre’s management, Belgravia, has received support from Light Regional Council after recently presenting a business plan for the ‘Kingfisher Café’.

The café is proposed to operate out of the centre’s foyer area, offering a range of beverages, snacks and light meals – many from local suppliers.

According to the business plan, the café will increase income for the centre, add diversity to the local business network and be a promising sign of economic and communal growth.

“Supporting the Hewett Cafe means you’re supporting more than one small venture,” it reads.

“Independent businesses, especially those within the region are more likely to establish mutually beneficial relationships with other similar local businesses.

“Thus, it creates a positive and equal dispense of money throughout the community, in a rather domino effect fashion.”

The plan states initial consultation with local producers and suppliers has been positive, with support from Em’s Cookies at Freeling, Miss Sugar Bliss cakes and the Hewett Bakery.

“The majority of our fresh products would be pre ordered and stocked from local suppliers,” it reads.

“…Through our existing centre user groups we will be able to decorate and design the space at minimal to no expense.

“Centre user groups would be able to display their handicrafts to sell and or be used by the café patrons.”

The café is anticipated to cost just over $5000 to set up (which is already budgeted for), and then bring in a total annual income of $23,320.

It will likely operate similar hours to the centre – weekdays and on Saturdays subject to centre bookings.

The centre hosted the privately operated ‘Leon’s Café’ in a different part of the centre, up until the end of 2018.

The new café is anticipated to open by the end of the year.