Discovery Point gets caffeine fix

by Wise McBaron
09/01/2012

Discovery Point gets caffeine fix

Since opening at the beginning of November, Discovery Point Café has become the heart of the Discovery Point community, pulsing to the beat of an expertly handled coffee machine.

Owner Josie Lawson brings to residents a quality café borne from a wealth of experience she has gained from owning and operating two popular patisserie franchises in Sydney’s south for the past six years.

After looking carefully at Australand’s Discovery Point masterplan and recognising how large and diverse the development is planned to become, Josie applied to lease the café space through an expressions of interest process.

“It was time to branch out and do my own thing. It’s a challenge moving away from the franchise system but it also feels good to be independent,” Josie said.

Although Josie’s background in the hospitality game had prepared her for the challenge of opening her own cafe, nevertheless she had to ensure that the site offered a viable and ongoing business investment opportunity.

“I have invested a lot of money into the business so I had to take into consideration the location of Discovery Point and to envisage the community once all the residential and commercial space is complete,” Josie said.

She admits that part of the attraction of the café site, which is located to enjoy an outlook over the park and heritage-listed Tempe House and St Magdalen’s Chapel, was the commuter traffic to the adjoining Wolli Creek station and bus stops.

“Discovery Point Café is actually going to be the centre of the development,” she said.

“In addition to Discovery Point, there is also a lot of development on the other side of the train station, which will also contribute to the growth of our business in the future.”

Despite opening just weeks ago, Josie said the reaction from residents has been fabulous.

“It’s been a great experience so far and we have had very positive feedback for our menu, which is modern Australian cuisine with daily changing specials inspired by seasonal delights that impress our chef at the markets,” she said.

Currently Discovery Point café is open from 7am to 3pm daily. However, once construction of Linc begins early next year, trading hours will be extended from 6am to 8.30pm. The Café owners are also intending to apply for a soft liquor license so people can have the option to bring their own drinks to enjoy with an evening meal.

The café also offers a free WiFi service, catering and is available to be booked for functions. With seating for 60, Josie said she would like to offer themed nights and summer barbecues out on the verandah.

“Discovery Point residents have been very warm and welcoming. From day one they have owned this café. They love the place because it’s theirs” she said.

For further information on leasing retail space at Australand’s Discovery Point or to register your interest in Arc, please contact Australand’s Sales Centre on 13 38 38 or visit www.australand.com.au.

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