23 February 2021

Operator promises sophisticated offering at new Regatta Point restaurant and cafe

| Ian Bushnell
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Regatta Point Function Centre

An artist’s impression of the exterior of the remodelled Regatta Point Function Centre. Images: GPG.

One of the city’s most visible, premium lakeside sites will soon host new dining and café experiences after the naming of Grand Pacific Group as the hospitality operator at the transformed Regatta Point function centre.

Perched on a hill next to Commonwealth Park with sweeping views of Lake Burley Griffin and the Parliamentary Triangle, the new restaurant and cafe will complete the renewal of the Regatta Point precinct where the National Capital Exhibition was upgraded in 2018, and the Canberra and Region Visitor Centre was relocated from Northbourne Avenue in 2016.

Site works for the cafe and restaurant have been underway since July 2020 and they are scheduled to open in November this year.

The National Capital Authority says the seven-day-a-week function centre will offer a unique venue for weddings, celebrations and corporate events.

GPG is planning a cafe operating from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm offering fresh, healthy and convenient food, with indoor seating for 76 and 33 on the outside terrace.

The restaurant will offer lunch and high tea, focusing on local produce and sophistication, with an indoor capacity of 140 and 20 on the terrace.

GPG says it will be able to host a maximum of 180 for functions and events.

Regatta Point restaurant

An artist’s impression shows what the view will be like from the new Regatta Point restaurant.

GPG founder and CEO Manny Spinola said the Group was delighted to be partnering with the NCA at Regatta Point to deliver a unique, iconic venue for all of Canberra and its visitors to enjoy.

“In every aspect of the experience we create, our product is of an international standard, from the location of our venues to the unparalleled food and service offering we deliver,” he said.

“Over the last 20 years, we have worked in partnership with numerous government and heritage bodies and have been responsible for the transformation of several of Sydney’s historic buildings, revitalising them into contemporary venues, whilst maintaining the original character of each site.

“We now welcome the opportunity to deliver a unique, world-class dining and event experience at Regatta Point and look forward to creating lasting partnerships with Canberra suppliers to bring the best of local food and drink to our customers.”

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Liberal ACT Senator Zed Seselja welcomed a new destination beside Lake Burley Griffin.

“I have long been a supporter of creating more opportunities to enjoy the beauty of Lake Burley Griffin for Canberrans and visitors to our great city alike,” Senator Seselja said.

“A new café and restaurant will be an extremely welcome addition that will add vibrancy to the lakefront.”

An NCA spokesperson said the Regatta Point café/restaurant was the subject of full public consultation before granting works approval.

Both the construction of the building and the café operator were the subject of public, open tender processes conducted in 2019.

“Work on site has been underway for some time; however, the COVID 19 pandemic delayed the resolution of the operator tender,” the spokesperson said.

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