'Visionary restaurateur' sought for seafront site

Construction of the site is due to begin in 2026

Expressions of interest are being sought by a council for a new seafront restaurant that is set to be built.

Lewes District Council (LDC) has announced the "unique opportunity for a visionary restaurateur" to let the site at West Beach in Newhaven.

Planning consent for the site has been secured and the venue is expected to be handed to the new tenant in winter 2026.

Zoe Nicholson, leader of LDC, said: "A venue of this quality demands a passionate operator who shares our ambition to create something special, something that celebrates local produce, community spirit, and the beauty of our coastline."

The single-storey site, which is about 4,065 sq ft (378 sq m) and costs £80,000 a year to rent, can serve about 80 customers at a time inside and there is potential for an extra 75 to be seated outside, the council said.

The restaurant forms part of a wider regeneration scheme in the area that includes new leisure and community facilities, splash pads, outdoor gym equipment, and landscaped public spaces.

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