Westborough's Civic Kitchen Won't Reopen Due To Building Condition

WESTBOROUGH, MA — The Civic Kitchen and Drink restaurant at the Westborough Golf Club will not reopen following a select board vote earlier this week not to move forward with the lease renewal bidding process due to defects in the building.

Civic Kitchen shut down at the end of October so the town — which owns the country club building at the golf course — could repair a plumbing problem in the basement. The closure was supposed to last about three months.

At the same time, the town conducted a larger assessment of the condition of the country club building, which found that major repairs were needed.

"The assessment recommended significant improvements related to egress, fire blocking, sprinkler system, and roof reinforcement. Additionally, a detailed electrical evaluation was recommended," the town said Friday. "The total estimated cost of repair based on this initial evaluation came in at approximately $800,000 but did not include contingency or any changes to the building to better support current function."

The town had anticipated renewing Civic Kitchen's lease by March 1. The select board voted not to go through the renewal process due to the cost and extent of the repairs.

Instead, the select board will form a Country Club Building Committee to find the best use for the building in the future. That is expected to happen at the next select board meeting scheduled for Feb. 14.

The golf course will still open as usual this spring, according to the town.