A SOD has not even been turned for Bathurst’s newest function centre, and already it has received more than 120 inquiries and 10 confirmed bookings.
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The 71-hectare block on Duramana Road has, until now, been operated as a farm stay.
But, sisters Kayla and Melissa Atkins have taken over the property from their mother, Karin Hallett, and have plans for a new wedding venue, thanks to their recently- approved development application (DA).
Work on the purpose-built facility is due to start within the next month, before it opens to the public in early August.
Ben Fry, partner of Kayla, said the recent closure of two function centres in Bathurst has highlighted the need for a purpose-built facility.
“Algona and the [Bathurst] Convention Centre on Peel Street closed recently, so we saw the need for a facility centre for weddings or funerals or other events,” he said.
“There’s not really many wedding venues in Bathurst, most people go to Orange or Mudgee.”
Information in the DA submitted to Bathurst Regional Council shows the facility will cater to a maximum of 165 guests with around two functions to be held each week.
The centre will be open seven days-a-week, and will operate until midnight on its latest nights – Friday and Saturday.
An existing on-site hay shed will be demolished to make way for the function centre which, once built, will include a verandah, kitchen and toilets. The DA also included a new gravel car park with room for 26 cars.
Mr Fry said that while council did not request a Noise Impact Assessment be conducted, the building will be constructed in a way that will keep noise levels to a minimum for neighbours.
“The thing with our neighbours is we like them and don’t want to upset them, so we’re proactive and putting these measures in,” he said.
Among the measures will be building construction to inhibit noise, the car park located further away from closest neighbour and strict adherence to closing times.
Mr Fry said the new function centre, named BoxGrove, is located just 1.2 kilometres from Eglinton and it will appeal to a wide range of people.
“There’s no purpose-built building [in Bathurst], especially to cater to the Sydney people who want to have a country wedding,” he said.
“There’s rolling paddocks and a bit of livestock, it’s got that rural feel without having to rough it.”
