Construction begins on Little Otto’s Big Choc Shop at former Busselton Tennis Club building

Construction works on transforming a former sports club building into a new chocolate shop in the heart of Busselton are now underway. Work has begun on Little Otto’s Big Choc Shop on Marine Terrace by the Left Coast Leisure Group — the company behind the nearby Shelter Brewing Co. The shop has been named after the blue whale found beached near the Vasse River mouth in August 1897 by a young girl named Daisy. The whale will be familiar to those who have been to the WA Museum Boola Bardip in Perth, with its 24m-long skeleton hanging prominently for visitors to see. Company director Asher Packard-Hair said the shop will enhance the city’s offerings and bring more residents and visitors to the foreshore. “We’re local ourselves with young families and we’re fiercely proud of Busselton — we are invested in, and committed to, making it a great place to live and to visit, for all the family,” he said. Mr Packard-Hair said the venue was developing activations to encourage interaction between adults and kids, with the food offering to include chocolate and its sub-brand Daisy’s Gelato. “We’ve just bought a local gelateria that we’re using off-site for research and development for Daisy’s Gelato ahead of Little Otto’s opening,” he said. “The design of Little Otto’s includes a gelato window so people can enjoy a stroll along the beautiful Busselton Foreshore, or play in the epic pirate ship playground just opposite. “Little Otto’s and Daisy’s will be designed for locals, for families, created for fun times and for putting smiles on dials.” The facility is being designed by WA architect Paul Burnham, with more than 50 builders, consultants and trades set to be employed. The City of Busselton leased the building housing the shop, formerly used by the Busselton Tennis Club, in June following a public consultation period. The shop is expected to open around Easter time next year.