St Kilda’s iconic Stokehouse restaurant could rise from the ashes in time for this weekend’s St Kilda Festival.
Port Phillip council last night voted for the construction of the temporary pop-up cafe on the Stokehouse site to be progressed “as soon as possible.”
The temporary, single-story marquee-style structure with outdoor seating, will operate until a permanent replacement is constructed.
Port Phillip mayor Amanda Stevens said the current lease required the Stokehouse to be rebuilt as quickly as possible.
The eatery was destroyed following a blaze that ripped through the two-story building on January 17, leaving 200 patrons and staff with just minutes to escape.
It is believed the fire originated in the kitchen from fat build-up in a flue and spread quickly throughout the restaurant.
The pop-up restaurant, and the permanent building that will follow after it, will be run by the Van Haandel Group. The operator signed a 21-year lease in 2011.
“The café operators, the Van Haandel Group, hope the café will be ready for St Kilda Festival,” Cr Stevens said.
“Council places a high priority on supporting local business and their employees and will implement the usual checks to ensure the site complies with our regulations and is safe and ready for our community to enjoy during the busy summer period.”
For more information or bookings, visit www.stokehousemelbourne.com.au.
