Woollahra Municipal Council

SC8166

Tuesday 16 September 2025 (AUS Eastern Standard Time)

Monday 20 October 2025 03:00 PM (AUS Eastern Standard Time) CLOSED

Wednesday 15 October 2025 03:00 PM (AUS Eastern Daylight Time)

Friday 19 December 2025 (AUS Eastern Standard Time)

Woollahra Municipal Council

536 New South Head Rd
Double Bay, New South Wales 2028
Australia

https://www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/

Woollahra will continue be a great place to live, work and visit where places and spaces are safe, clean and well-maintained.

Our community will offer a unique mix of urban villages with a good range of shops, services and facilities.

We will make the most of the natural beauty, leafy streetscapes, open spaces, views and proximity to the water and the city.

We will be a harmonious, engaged and connected community that looks out for each other.

The buyer has elected to have their personal and contact details hidden. These details will be revealed at the buyers discretion.

The final EOI document is saved as an attachment with this request: SC8166 FINAL EOI Lease and Operation of Dunbar House.DOCX

Woollahra Municipal Council is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from suitably qualified and experienced service providers for the leasing and operation of Dunbar House, a heritage-listed property located in Watsons Bay. The Council seeks proposals for the use of Dunbar House as a:

• Licensed Restaurant

• Function Centre

• Or other compatible use consistent with the community land provisions under the NSW Local Government Act 1993

This is a unique opportunity to operate within a historically significant and picturesque waterfront setting, delivering high-quality services that align with community expectations and heritage values.

Following the EOI process, shortlisted respondents will be invited to participate in a Request for Tender (RFT).

Respondents are not required to submit pricing or cost information at the EOI stage.

Refer to EOI document

• Australian Capital Territory
  1: ACT (all other areas)
• New South Wales
  1: Sydney
• Other Territories
  1: Offshore (OT)
• Queensland
  1: Brisbane
  2: Gold Coast
  3: Sunshine Coast
• South Australia
  1: Adelaide
• Tasmania
  1: Greater Hobart
• Victoria
  1: Melbourne

All Regions of Service locations are within Australia.

None...

Please note: The following attachments have been recently added.

1. Added: SC8166 EOI Lease and Operation of Dunbar House.docx

2. Added: Dunbar House Conservation Management Plan CMP - Stage 1.pdf

Please consider these attachments when responding.

Please note: The following attachment has been recently added.

1. Added: Doing Business with Council - A Guide for Contractors_ Consultants and Suppliers.pdf

Please note: The following attachment has been recently added.

1. Added: SC8166 FINAL EOI Lease and Operation of Dunbar House.DOCX

Please consider this attachment when responding.

Please note: The following attachments have been recently added.

1. Added: Dunbar House Expression of Interest Brochure.pdf

2. Added: Dunbar House plan drawing 1.pdf

3. Added: Dunbar House plan drawing 2.pdf

4. Added: Dunbar House plan drawing 3.pdf

Please consider these attachments when responding.

Please note: The following attachment has been recently added.

1. Added: SC8166 FINAL EOI Lease and Operation of Dunbar House.DOCX

Please consider this attachment when responding.

Please note: The following addendum has been recently added.

1. Added: (Addendum) SC8166 Addendum 01.pdf

Please consider this addendum when responding.

Questions raised by Proponents and responses:

1. What is the square meters of space?

The estimated internal area of the premises, including wall thickness, is approximately 723 m2, which includes a basement area of 135 square metres. The external veranda areas on ground and level 1 are not included in the above m2 and provide additional seating areas.

2. What is the timing?

The indicative timing is as follows:

- The EOI closes on 20th October 2025

- Evaluation of the submissions will be undertaken and a report to Council recommending a shortlist of suitable proposal will be submitted by December 2025

- Subject to Council approval the shortlisted organisations will be invited to submit tenders in February 2026

- The contract is expected to be awarded in April/May 2026

3. What was the rent when the space was fully functional?

The last rent payable when the site was fully operational for the period 1 July 22 – 30 June 23, was $306,623.81 plus GST per annum.

4. Can rent stop during the refurbishment works?

The rent will not be payable during the fitout of the premises.

5. What are the trading hours?

The trading hours as per the DA are:

- Monday to Saturday: 7am – Midnight

- Sunday: 7am to 10pm

6. What is the extent of the garden maintenance?

Garden maintenance within the lease area will be limited to the directly adjacent hedging.

7. Is council considering any capital works?

Council has not budgeted for capital works at this stage. However, if compelling proposals are submitted through the EOI process, they will be considered by Council.

8. Are the any high-level commercials you can share with us?

Council does not have the trading figures.

9. Is the current fit out staying? Including furniture etc?

The current unfixed fit-out and furniture are owned by the lessee and purchase will have to be negotiated.

10. Does the venue’s fit out need to be updated?

Response: It is envisaged that the fit-out will require updating to meet operational needs of the new business.

This is your final opportunity to be part of something exceptional!

Don’t hesitate to submit your EOI via VendorPanel to secure your chance to propose an offer and enter negotiations for this iconic waterfront venue.

Our Expression of Interest (EOI) campaign for Dunbar House closes Monday at 3:00 PM sharp — and once submissions close, only participating operators will have the opportunity to negotiate for this premium location.

This is an unparalleled opportunity for leading F&B operators, hospitality brands and other permitted uses to create, innovate, and impress on the prestigious Watsons Bay waterfront.

We can’t wait to see the vision you’ll bring to this iconic venue.