Cornwall Park's cafe cost just under $1 million to build. Photo / Greg Bowker
Cornwall Park's cafe cost just under $1 million to build. Photo / Greg Bowker
An operator will soon be appointed for the all-new Cornwall Park cafe, which the trust board has spent just under $1 million building.
Martina Llewellyn, the board's property manager, said she was in discussions with operators but no one had yet been appointed.
Michael Ayerton, park director, said the cafewould have about 12 tables and seat between 40 and 50 people, as well as a paved area out the front where tables could be set up. Up to two functions a month could be held there, Ayerton said. The cafe will bring the board income to go towards the upkeep of the park.
About 300 to 400 weddings a year were held in the grounds of the park but couples had to seek the board's permission, he said.
The most popular areas were around the band rotunda, in the olive grove and on the kauri steps, leading into the kauri grove. Wedding functions were often held at Sorrento In the Park which has three function rooms, or at the Cornwall Park Restaurant, also known as the kiosk, which has now shut.
The operator has left the kiosk next to the visitor centre and Ayerton said it was overdue for a refurbishment. The board has posted a notice on its website saying the kiosk should reopen in late spring this year.
Ayerton and Llewellyn were both in the High Court at Auckland last week, in the board's case against Yong Xin Chen who it is suing for more than $300,000 after she abandoned 21 Maungakiekie Ave at Greenlane where she had a lease in perpetuity.
