Penrith City Council has revitalised the historic Police Cottage at Emu Plains, breathing new life into the building by transforming it into a dining destination in Emu Plains that future generations can cherish. Originally built in 1908, the Police Cottage has been sensitively restored and refurbished into a modern café and restaurant, with outside seating offering diners magnificent views of the Nepean River in Emu Plains.

The site is owned by the NSW Government Department of Planning and Environment and is classified as Crown Land. In April 2021, the care and control of the site was assigned to Penrith City Council as part of the restoration project. As a local heritage listed site, Council’s vision was to preserve as much of the dilapidated building as possible, and to incorporate sustainable features to the design to reduce ongoing maintenance costs and extend the life of the property. Council overcame the challenge of bringing the 115 year old building into the 21st century by incorporating the sustainable re-use of materials, as well as using historically accurate building techniques and materials to retain the original Queen Anne Revival/Federation design.

The adaptive reuse of the Police Cottage allows Council to demonstrate its commitment to heritage preservation, showcase its sustainability, and enhance the Regatta Park Precinct. The refurbishment of the Police Cottage provides the crucial link in the growing dining circuit along the river, improves the gateway to the new Regatta Park precinct and helps to achieve our vision to celebrate, activate, and protect the Nepean River. The refurbishment of the Police Cottage will support the sustainable performance of the building over its lifespan by focusing on reducing ongoing maintenance.

Photography by Neaton Photography

Dissections
Finishes: AMA Projects Pty Ltd. Fittings & Fixtures: Selected by Foster & Associates.