Ampthill Park Hub Cafe?

[CraftsbyCarolyn]

I see that in the Around the Pump they are asking for expressions of interest for someone to operate a cafe in the park. Is this the big plan that they had some time ago? It says something about an application to be submitted in April - so presume all those plans have been abandoned?

I presume that this would be for this summer, and something that wouldn't take long to build?

[oceanbreeze]

Nothing has been abandoned, the Hub is simply coming to fruition now.

[CraftsbyCarolyn]

so is it the same plans that were submitted?

this was the previous thread:

viewtopic.php?f=28&t=5391

[CraftsbyCarolyn]

I don't quite understand why they are asking for expressions of interest when the building hasn't even started, or am I missing something are they doing something temporary this year?

I wouldn't think anyone would commit to something that hasn't even got a completion date...would they?

[CraftsbyCarolyn]

There has been something about this on here:

viewtopic.php?f=26&t=6938

so do you think this is a good idea, or a waste of money? here are a couple of other threads

viewtopic.php?f=28&t=5391

viewtopic.php?f=28&t=5430

As far as I can tell it will cost us every year for running costs - how will they make it pay?

Why not encourage visitors to use the town facilities - put up some signage advertising the town and letting visitors know that it is just a short walk away.

[nannie mary]

That seems to me to be by far the best suggestion.

[CraftsbyCarolyn]

The latest around the pump has said that it should all be up and running for September, as it is being constructed off site.

[SCRABBLER]

I also see from "Around the Pump" hot and cold food is going to be obtainable at the Hub. This would seem to suggest that the Council would probably let this out on a concession basis. In which case there will be an income from that, which hopefully would offset some of the costs of the Building. I suspect that it may well be something like the Building at Harrold Park. This also includes toilets, information etc., and a small cafe. That seems to work quite well.

[Sveti]

Looking forward to it opening - think it will do well.

[masquerade]

Looking forward to it opening - think it will do well.

Agreed - let's give it a chance - the cafe at Harrold Country Park does well.

[CraftsbyCarolyn]

Not been down that way in the last few weeks - any signs of anything happening?

[louise]

It opens next weekend

[CraftsbyCarolyn]

I will have to walk that way next week then

[CraftsbyCarolyn]

seen it this morning - very smart, anyone know the exact plan/layout? Cafe and toilets? anything else? Are the toilets only going to be open when the cafe is open? Will the cafe open much during the winter?

[SCRABBLER]

There always seems to be visitors and walkers in the Park. I am sure the Hub will do well. As I imagined, it is very much like the Harrold/Odell Country Park facilities, and if it is run along the same lines, then a cuppa etc.,will be available. Very acceptable after a winters walk in the Park. Should prove to be successful if run properly.