Cafe plan a chance to restore reserve

The Conservation Department is looking to bring the Officer's Mess at Fort Takapuna back to life.

The opportunity offers a chance for a cafe or restaurant operator to help secure the long-term preservation of a unique piece of the North Shore's history.

The Officers' Mess at Narrow Neck has a long history of providing dining facilities to New Zealand army and naval personnel.

It is located at the Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve and is now vacant.

The Conservation Department took over the site in the year 2000 and has been working with community groups to find ways to restore the reserve.

Auckland area manager Brett Butland says the department is looking for a partner to increase access to the historic building and help with restoration work.

"We are keen to find the best possible proposal to establish a successful commercial business partnership that will also deliver for conservation," he says.

Revenue raised from the cafe concession will help restore and protect the Officer's Mess building and contribute to the management of the Fort Takapuna complex, which preserves elements from all periods of coastal defence in New Zealand.

Tenders for the cafe concession close at 4pm on April 1.

Go online to doc.govt.nz or email Dave Veart at dveart@doc.govt.nz. information.

- © Fairfax NZ News