Cosy Corner set for new community hub

The COVID-19 pandemic has put the brakes on many business ventures across the Great Southern, but a Kronkup cafe owner is celebrating a win after she secured unanimous council support to transform her premises into a community hub fitted out with a bar. The Cape store on Cosy Corner Road is set to grow after new additions were approved at this month’s City of Albany council meeting. The alterations include a beer garden, function room and casual dining area. The Cape’s owner, Christina Rooney, said she had big plans to provide a vibrant space for locals and tourists. She said the new facility would create a “village hub” offering groceries and a creative space with room for social events, local art shows and live performances. “If it brings people together, creates joy, reduces stress and benefits us all, I’ll try to squeeze it in,” Ms Rooney said. “My goal is to create a central point and a destination to meet the needs of a unique community and the wider population by making available a range of goods and services promoting a healthy community and as a destination for travellers.” Ms Rooney, who runs the store with her three children, said she was excited to embark on the new venture with her family by her side. “It’s family that makes this happen,” she said. “It brings me joy to empower my children through new experiences and just have them near.”