A $1.5 million teahouse on the Maribyrnong River is yet to see the light of day, months after it was due for completion.
Maribyrnong council signed a 21-year lease in 2015 with a developer to build the 140-seat cafe-restaurant on riverside Crown land, currently occupied by the Blackbird river ferry.
Developer Castlewell Pty Ltd was to build the teahouse in exchange for a heavily discounted lease, before rights to the property revert to the council after 21 years.
The operators would pay rent to the council of $114 a year for the first decade, climbing to $2750 in years 11 to 15, and $5500 in years 16 to 21.
Council could then rent out the site at market rates, estimated to be valued at $65,000 a year.
The development is also due to include an office for Maribyrnong River Cruises and moorings for the iconic Blackbird, as well as public moorings. It was due to be completed by the end of last year.
Maribyrnong council corporate services director Celia Haddock said discussions to finalise the lease agreement with the developer are ongoing.
“A date for construction has not been determined, however discussions include plans for the temporary relocation of Maribyrnong River Cruises during the construction phase.”
Castlewell Pty Ltd could not be reached for comment.
