THE shift of the Retro Youth Cafe nearby could have been the spark for Albury Council taking over Albury Entertainment Centre catering services.
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The council voted unanimously at its meeting last week to “receive and note” a report on catering services at the centre.
It had been listed as a confidential agenda item.
But the vote was taken in open council and moved by Cr Daryl Betteridge and seconded by Cr Graham Docksey.
The report has remained confidential and the council has declined to comment.
Less than 12 months ago, long-time external provider Sodexo Australia, was awarded a five-year contract with an option of a further two years.
Sodexo Australia was unable to be contacted for comment.
The Retro Youth Cafe is relocating from Burrows House to the rear of the Library Museum.
The entertainment centre is also situated in the QEII Square precinct.
As part of the move, the Retro Youth Cafe will have a commercial kitchen that could assist catering of major events at the entertainment centre.
The cafe is closed, but due to re-open shortly.
Burrows House is being incorporated into the $10.5 million art gallery redevelopment, which has begun.
The council approved $60,000 for the cafe’s relocation last November after three other options were explored.
Before extending the deal with Sodexo Australia, the council carried out a review of the benefits of contractor versus in-house supply of catering.
The in-house option was found to present significant risks in respect of financial loss, increased capital and operating costs, lack of specialist industry and best practise knowledge, purchasing power and service delivery.
Sodexo Australia was the only respondent to the request for tender late last year.
The entertainment centre is made up of two buildings joined by a covered walkway and are regularly used for conferences, gala events and productions.
