Councillor Gordon Beaumont purchased the building last November and started renovations immediately to give the old building the tender loving care it needs to return to its former glory.

Major works have been undertaken, such as restoring the original ornate plaster ceiling that had been hanging down and was in desperate need of repair.

Cr Beaumont said it would have been easier to put in a new ceiling, but it was important to him restore the historic ceiling as it was part of the original building, which is believed to have been built in the 1930s.

The old building holds a sentimental place in Cr Beaumont’s heart as his mother, Audrey Beaumont, ran her own cafe business from the premises over 30 years ago and she worked in the cafe for many years.

Gordon’s son, Dale, will be running the cafe and is looking forward to the challenge.

He said their aim is to provide customers with good service, good food and good value.

Once the cafe is up and running, Dale said he has plans to add a games room for the kids of Darlington Point “to give them somewhere to hang out with their mates and have fun”.