\u201cWe don\u2019t want to be forced to close. We don\u2019t want to be shut down.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pennington said he understands Jackson wants to further develop the area and wishes to close the cafe to undertake necessary construction on the building, but it is unclear what is planned for the site.<\/p>\n
Sir Peter Jackson. Photo \/ Mark Mitchell.<\/p>\n
He said it is a \u201cheartbreaking situation\u201c to be told the cafe would have to close as of 31 January.<\/p>\n
No alternative venue had been offered for the business by Jackson, Pennington said.<\/p>\n
He said the famous couple have been strong supporters of the business over the years, and this news has come as a shock.<\/p>\n
The business currently has 28 staff on its books, with Pennington saying they had to make the hard call to inform their staff of the closure this week.<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite out requests, we haven\u2019t yet been given the opportunity to speak with Peter and Fran directly, and we are asking for that chance,\u201d the social media post said.<\/p>\n
Jackson and Walsh released a statement to the Herald through their company WingNut PM, confirming \u201coccupancy discussions\u201d had been ongoing since early 2024 with the owners of the Chocolate Fish Cafe.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Shelly Bay development involves a significant private contribution, intended to reinvigorate the City and provide a public amenity for all Wellingtonians to enjoy\u201d, the statement reads.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo deliver on the vision a complete refurbishment of the historic Submarine Barracks building that the Chocolate Fish Cafe presently occupies is necessary. <\/p>\n
\u201cThese ongoing renovations make it impossible for the cafe to remain open beyond January. Wingnut PM had offered to support the owners so the cafe could remain open into the summer period.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jackson and Walsh purchased the prime waterfront real estate in Wellington<\/a> after a controversial $500 million housing development planned by developer Ian Cassels<\/a> was scrapped.<\/p>\n In 2023 the couple asked the community to bear with them as they worked to return Shelly Bay to its \u201cnatural beauty\u201d.<\/a><\/p>\n Pennington said at the time he had gone from thinking his business was on the rocks<\/a> to something that felt more like winning the Lotto.<\/p>\nChocolate Fish Cafe owner John Pennington on the earthworks in front of the business at Shelly Bay, Miramar, Wellington in 2023. Photo \/ Mark Mitchell<\/p>\n