Dome a step closer for Katanning

An iconic business is one step closer to purchasing an equally iconic building in Katanning, with council advertising a notice for public comment on Dome Cafe acquiring the Old Flour Mill building.

The franchise approached the Shire 18 months ago, with council accepting Dome’s expression of interest in a meeting last year.

Dome managing director Nigel Oakey said everything was moving in the right direction.

“We believe there to be a strong opportunity for us to do what we do in important regional district areas like Katanning,” he said.

“That combined with the Shire itself saying Katanning is open for investment along with the Super Towns initiative … this is a town on the move.”

Mr Oakey also said plans were in place to establish the first Dome Inn, providing nine to 10 boutique-style rooms.

The proposal will be advertised for one month in order for the public to comment on Dome’s plans for the mill.

A decision to sell the mill will be presented as an agenda item in next month’s ordinary council meeting.

Shire of Katanning chief executive Dean Taylor said the venture would bring in a new era for Katanning.

“It’s the dawning of a new age for Katanning with Super Towns coming along,” he said.

“The commitment Dome has made will attract more businesses to the area.”

Through Super Towns funding, the Shire will spend $500,000 to make the heritage-listed mill watertight.

Dome will spend at least $4 million on the project. Katanning Historical Society curator Ainslie Evans said it would be interesting to see if the cafe came to fruition.

“There have been numerous plans for the mill for 20 years,” she said.

“Katanning is only here because of the mill. It’s there to tell us the history of the railway, the wheat growing industry and the Piesse family.”

“The machinery in the mill is of vital importance … it’s been there for over 100 years.”

According to Mr Oakey, Dome has worked closely with the Heritage Council to ensure heritage-listed buildings are treated with care.

Dome currently has 12 heritage-listed buildings as cafes.

“What we are proposing is effectively a living museum for locals and visitors to learn about the story of Katanning,” Mr Oakey said.

A public forum is planned with Mr Oakey giving a presentation on Dome’s plans for the Mill over the next fortnight.