Happy Jacks in Lockwood South could reopen as Calder Alternative works begin

Newly begun roadworks outside Happy Jacks means owners Reg and Dawn Holliday are finally nearing the point where they will be able to let the building.

Mr Holliday said they hoped to lease the restaurant to an independent operator within months.

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He's been struggling to ready the building for opening since he bought it three-and-a-half years ago.

Keeping the project going has meant plenty of sacrifice. Mr Holliday has sold large parts of his collection of objects, as well as a beach house in South Australia.

"I didn't realise there'd be so many bridges to cross to get it going, but I'm persistent and obviously, stubbornness pays off sometimes," Mr Holliday said.

"I've given up a lot to make this work. People don't see all the underlying things."

Originally built in the 1860s, the building housed the much loved Happy Jacks for decades. It's the only eatery or food store within about 15 minutes of the area.

In 2015 Lockwood South residents lobbied the City of Greater Bendigo to fast-track development approvals for the building to re-open after it was bought by residents of a neighbouring property, who have since sold the site.

These people aimed to open a takeaway store and build some houses on the site.

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But they warned conditions placed on the property's planning permit by the City of Greater Bendigo and VicRoads put too much financial pressure on the investment. These included asphalting the car park, extending and sealing a 10-metre shoulder of road, and replacing a septic tank.

Works to widen the road shoulder began on Monday, jointly funded by VicRoads and Mr Holliday. These will asphalt a extra 200 metres of shoulder around the entrance, as well as upgrading a nearby V/Line bus stop.

Mr Holliday said the Lockwood South community was pleased to have the prospect of a venue on their side of town, where they could pick-up household goods, a coffee, or have a beer. He also expected it to garner the custom of campers at the free site across the road, and busy passing traffic.

Mr Holliday said works to the Calder Alternative would make the road safer - not just for Happy Jacks' customers, but for the nearby school as well.

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