In 2021, Dapto Agricultural & Horticultural (AH) Society completed its community consultation, and it was evident from the feedback and responses received that the local community is ready for the showground to move forward with the times. More than 80% of respondents surveyed as part of the consultation process stated they would regularly visit “the Groundz” if it offered; a cinema; an indoor and outdoor family eatery; a café precinct; live music and concerts; restaurants and wine bars; and a large outdoor children’s playground and parklands’ Dapto AH Society CEO, Katrina Novak said.
“In November last year, Simon Kersten from Colliers International Wollongong was appointed to seek expressions of interest from suitable joint venture and/or leasehold partners to assist in achieving “the Groundz” draft vision”
“Whilst the Society is positively progressing, the project is substantial and will take time, therefore in the interim the Society has a number of exciting offerings that it will be bringing to the showground, the first of which is “The Jetty by CCBC”, a Bulli based hospitality group, for a pop-up series” said Ms Novak.
The Jetty by CCBC will install its signature style of Palm Springs meets Coastal Vibes, set against the beautiful green surrounds of The Groundz. The family friendly offering, a popular weekend destination whilst in Bulli, will offer an expansive bar list of craft beer, cider, wine and cocktails, along with some of the area’s most popular food trucks each Fri-Sun. Local artist’s will also be invited to perform on the dedicated staging area.
Ms Kelly Carey, owner of The Jetty, commented on the pop up. “We are really excited to be coming to The Groundz. When they approached us, we jumped at the chance to take The Jetty brand into a new area of the Illawarra. They have a unique space that has endless possibilities for the whole community to benefit from. It also came at a great time as we are closed at Bulli to commence building our venue. We’re really looking forward to our stint in Dapto and providing a small taste of what The Groundz has to offer”.
The series of events will be open every weekend from Friday – Sunday and will kick off this Friday 26th March from 4pm for a limited time.