Historic Police Cottage receives DA approval for new dining destination on Nepean River

Thursday, 24 June 2021

The historic Police Cottage at Emu Plains is set to become a vibrant dining destination after receiving Development Application approval for the adaptive reuse of the site into a restaurant to enhance connection to the Nepean River.

Originally built in 1908, the Police Cottage will be sensitively restored by Penrith City Council to blend heritage and modern dining to deliver a café and restaurant, with outside seating and stunning views of the Nepean River.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown OAM said the restoration of the Police Cottage is a key project in Council’s ‘Our River’ Masterplan to create a rejuvenated recreation, dining and entertainment precinct with improved access to the river.

“The Nepean River is our best natural asset, and by enhancing our food and beverage offerings along its edge we can strengthen Penrith’s position as Western Sydney’s most liveable city,” Cr McKeown said.

“As an important local heritage feature of Emu Plains, the revitalisation of the Police Cottage will celebrate and conserve this iconic building and its history for generations to come,” Cr McKeown added.

Member for Penrith and Minister for Tourism Stuart Ayres said the refurbishment of the Police Cottage is supported by a $1.5 million injection by the NSW Government and a further $1 million contribution by Penrith City Council.

“The Police Cottage’s location adjacent to the Yandhai Nepean Crossing is an ideal pit stop on the Great River Walk for locals and tourists to enjoy casual dining, grab a meal on the go, or just soak up the local heritage and magnificent views.

“It will also provide a crucial link to the new Regatta Park precinct and transform the area into a new dining destination,” Mr Ayres said.

The Police Cottage will be brought back to life thanks to the innovation of Penrith City Council, through the restoration of the façade, replacement works to the verandas and roof, internal enhancements, the extension of the deck for outdoor seating as well as upgrades to the outdoor privy.

The Police Cottage is a local heritage building, as the purpose-built police station and residence for Emu Plains from 1908 to 1921. It was then used as a residence for Penrith Police officers until the 1950s, and then rented as a private home before becoming vacant in 2015.

Construction is set to commence in late 2021.

The Police Cottage is just one of many city-shaping projects underway across Penrith to deliver the jobs, housing, education, healthcare, transport, lifestyle and recreation opportunities needed to accommodate our future growth.

To find out more about the Police Cottage visit the website penrith.city/policecottage The Police Cottage is located at 4 Punt Road, Emu Plains.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Thursday, 24 June 2021.