A POPULAR park cafe in Poole could be getting a new operator after its contract is put out to competition.

The lease for the Hamworthy Park cafe is set to be put up for tender ahead of the current lease ending in April 2019.

Borough of Poole has asked for potential operators to get in touch with ideas on how to improve either the existing cafe or provide a new one.

A public notice is calling for “experienced operators” to develop and and provide an “innovative and creative catering service” within Hamworthy Park.

It says the cafe has an estimated turnover in excess of £200,000 with further opportunities for external mobile sales within the park.

A Borough of Poole spokesman said: “The existing lease on Hamworthy Park cafe is due to expire in April 2019, and the council is seeking expressions of interest to develop and provide a catering service within the park, as part of a market sounding exercise.

“The council is inviting suggestions as to how the existing catering provision can be enhanced, while being sympathetic to the park which is designated as a Field in Trust.

“Hamworthy Park is one of Poole’s key parks, attracting nearly 300,000 visitors a year.

"A market sounding exercise will ensure that visitors continue to receive the best possible service, for years to come.

“An event will be hosted at Upton House on Tuesday June 13 to give interested parties an opportunity to ask questions about the site and future procurement process, before a formal tender process begins at a later date.”

But Friends of Hamworthy Park chairman Pat Bullock has said the current owner, Michael Clarke, has done a fantastic job since he took over the cafe three years ago.

She said she didn’t understand why the council was going out to tender at all.

“Mike has taken over the cafe and has made it a great success,” she added.

“He’s put a lot of time and work into making the cafe a lovely place for visitors and he is constantly trying to expand the offering and make it better.

“It has become so popular now and it’s just a shame that he is now going to have to fight to keep the cafe he worked so hard to improve.”

The Park Cafe has been at the park since it opened in 1932 and was “an essential part” of it.

“For me, if it works why spoil it,” added Mrs Bullock.

“The Friends will definitely be backing Mike to retain the lease.”