Regulars around the Inveresk precinct may have noticed the dark, derelict space of Blue Cafe come back to life with the aromas of fresh coffee and the sounds of pleasant conversation.
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Blue Cafe has reopened under new ownership after a year's absence from the Launceston cafe scene.
The business is now owned by Don and Marlene Cameron, known for Mudbar Restaurant, who said they were driven to see the "magnificent" space get back to being a social centre at the precinct.
"To see a space like Blue in Launceston empty was a shame," Mr Cameron said.
"This is a great space ... it's a lovely open space that's got a brilliant park and the university will be coming in next to us."
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Mr Cameron said he, like many people who regularly visited the cafe, had great and cherished memories of it.
"It upset me to see the business close ... we saw this as an opportunity to add to our own business ... and to give some strength to it," he said.
"This already has a great little population at Invermay to support it and we see that we can provide them with a healthy little business."
The space brings with it a number of opportunities for expansion alongside the University of Tasmania campus developments.
Mr Cameron said he'd like to start offering evening dining between Wednesdays and Saturdays for foodies of all tastes.
"We really want to supply the demand for a lower price, approachable food choice that is fun .. we want to look after meatlovers, vegetarians and the new wave of vegan eaters," he said.
"Those diners don't have a high expectation, but they do want quality and we think the quality and the niceness and freshness of our food in Tasmania is fantastic."
All in all, this is and exciting venture because we're not looking for a short-term process; the university's going to take three years to move and during that time this is a business that will grow and grow.
- Don Cameron
Mr Cameron hoped the location would also serve as a uni bar for students to unwind with a beverage and listen to some live music.
"All in all, this is and exciting venture because we're not looking for a short-term process; the university's going to take three years to move and during that time this is a business that will grow and grow," he said.
"The move will give us time to grow along with that process so when the university's done in three years we'll be able to cater here for functions."
"What I like about Blue as a space is people make it their home ... it's an extension of where they live, study, have meetings and have fun. It's an essential place that I think we're really lucky to have."
There'll be no shortage of skilled staff at Blue, which has experienced staff from Mudbar as well as new employees.
"They're all qualified in the art of cooking beautiful food," Mr Cameron said.
