Gull Gonville ready to fly

Manager Chelsie Mooney says people are excited about the reopening of the Gonville service station, now called Gull Gonville.

After being closed for eight years, the service station on the Heads Rd/Carlton Ave corner is finally set to reopen.

There have been signs of life at the service station since February this year and manager Chelsie Mooney says the family business, now called Gull Gonville, will have a soft opening on Friday, December 8, with the big opening day on Saturday, December 9.

"People are saying how excited they are because it's close to where they live and work," Mrs Mooney said.

"We have a young crew of nine staff to liven it up and give it the fresh face it needs. We'll have forecourt attendants to serve fuel and a cafe with great coffee and food."

Mrs Mooney is passionate about the cafe side of the business, having worked in hospitality since she was 14, and hopes the Ripe coffee will be a particular drawcard for nearby workers.

There had been good support for re-establishing the service station, Mrs Mooney said.

"Gull New Zealand has been fantastic and really supportive in getting us up and running," she said.

"Local firm G Jones Decorators has done a great job on the exterior of the building."

There will be giveaways for anyone who purchases more than $20 of fuel on Saturday, December 9.