Hutt City Council is inviting expressions of interest from experienced hospitality operators for the café space at Walter Nash Centre in Taitā.
This is an opportunity to operate from an established community hub that is busy throughout the week with library visitors, sports, meetings, events and community activity.
We’re particularly interested in hearing from established Lower Hutt food and hospitality businesses looking to grow or expand into another location.
Expressions of interest close at 5pm on Friday 30 October 2026.
The opportunity
Walter Nash Centre brings together sports facilities, event spaces and Taitā Library under one roof. The centre is used by a wide range of people throughout the day and week.
We’re looking for an experienced hospitality operator with ideas for making the most of the café space. It could be a traditional café, takeaway service, event catering base or a combination. We want applicants to tell us what they think would work.
Walter Nash Centre is open from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Sunday, with occasional later closing times for events. We’re interested in hearing what operating hours and service model would work best, with some flexibility for major and late-night events.
The café space
The café space is already fitted out and located within Walter Nash Centre.
Applicants can include any proposed changes to equipment, furniture, signage or the design of the space as part of their EOI.
Any alterations would need Council approval, with responsibility for costs agreed before work goes ahead.
Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the café space before applying. To arrange a site visit, contact Phil Hollis, Site Lead, at phil.hollis@huttcity.govt.nz or 027 249 9473.
The lease cost will be based on commercial market rents and will depend on the final agreed operating model. Applicants can include their preferred commercial terms as part of their EOI.
What to include in your EOI
Your expression of interest should include:
- Relevant skills and hospitality experience
- Your proposed operating model
- Proposed menu and pricing
- Proposed operating hours
- How you would work with Walter Nash Centre
- Any proposed changes to the café space
- Preferred commercial terms
- When you would be available to start operating.
How to apply
Complete an Expression of Interest by 5pm on Friday 30 October 2026: Walter Nash Centre café EOI
For questions about the EOI, contact Operations Support Manager Monica Turner at monica.turner@huttcity.govt.nz.
What happens next
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel during November.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to discuss their proposal in more detail.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome by 1 December 2026.
Council aims to have the successful operator in place by the beginning of term 1, 2027.