City ads for airport cafe

Fewer than five months after Albany’s airport was left without a cafe, the City of Albany wants one back.

The City has begun advertising for site tenders in The West Australian and on its website, “seeking proposals from suitably qualified and experienced cafe operators”.

The advert came after a partnership between the City and barista Chris Saurin ended in March, with vending machines installed as a replacement.

After the decision, the City said it would seek an operator who did not require a subsidy.

At the time Mr Saurin said the subsidy was necessary, given there were only eight Regional Express flights each day.

The City’s website said it “will consider a tenancy that is both financially sound and drives positive outcomes for both the airport and airport users, which includes residents and visitors to the Albany region”.

City chief executive Andrew Sharpe said all submissions would be considered.

He said feedback showed visitors preferred a cafe at the airport.