Albury City Council has announced it will begin an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process to identify a third-party operator for Retro Lane Café, whose vision and values align with the café’s youth-focused social enterprise model.
Opened in its new location following the redevelopment of MAMA in December 2016 behind the Albury LibraryMuseum and overlooking QEII Square, the Council says the café was designed to offer young people a safe, inclusive and welcoming place to connect, with an emphasis on financial and environmental sustainability.
While the café continues to successfully support local youth through programs and events, it hasn’t always proven financially sustainable over the past nine years, the Council says.
To address this, consultants Future Food worked with the AlburyCity team to review the café’s operating model. Their updated recommendations, based on market research and community feedback, supported a possible shift to a third-party lease/licence under a social enterprise model, with a continued focus on quality food, inclusive values and youth engagement.
Under this approach, the Council would continue to manage and deliver all youth-based programs at the café. These include Friday night gigs, school holiday and after-school activities, study support, creative workshops and job-readiness sessions.
The café’s informal drop-in style – offering young people a safe, accessible space to relax, study or socialise – will remain central, says Mayor, Kevin Mack.
“We’re committed to preserving Retro Lane’s identity as a youth-first, socially conscious space,” said the Mayor.
“Exploring a third-party tailored social enterprise operating model allows us to examine improved financial sustainability while ensuring the programs and principles that matter can continue to be delivered.”
The Council said it acknowledges concerns within the community about potential changes to the café’s purpose, stating that any future operator will be required to demonstrate strong alignment with the café’s founding ethos – youth-focused, inclusive and socially responsible.
“Submissions will be sought from operators who can uphold the café’s mission while offering a vibrant, sustainable service for both young people and the wider community,” Council said in a statement.
A further report will be provided to Council at the conclusion of the EOI process.
