THE hunt has been launched to find an operator for temporary outdoor eatery and bar following the demolition of a popular seafront restaurant.
BCP Council contractors have flattened the Bistro on the Beach building ahead of its plans for a major redevelopment project.
The local authority has submitted a planning application for its £7million scheme to build a new restaurant, kiosk, public facilities and 17 overnight lodges.
As reported, BCP Council’s planning department is still considering the application, which was submitted in September last year.
While the wait goes on for the long-term project, council chiefs are looking to secure a temporary occupier for the site.
An online tender listing, which went live earlier this month, says a “stylish beach restaurant to serve both residents and visitors to the area” is wanted.
“This will be a temporary offer designed to connect the demolition of the existing building with the delivery of a new, modern development, incorporating not only a new restaurant facility, but also luxury beach lodges,” the listing says.
It adds: “Following demolition of the existing building the supplier will be provided with a clean slab upon which to site the restaurant offer.
“The slab will be constructed of a levelled concrete screed with hoarding attached for edge protection.
“The council will erect temporary public toilets and a bin store at the eastern edge of the slab, adjacent to the existing beach huts.”
Bistro on the Beach had traded successfully for 15 years before closing its doors in October 2021 for the council’s redevelopment project.
The tender opportunity says the council is seeking bids from suppliers with a proven track record in the hospitality service area to create a modern beach pop up restaurant to “animate the beach and create a place to meet, work, eat, drink, have fun, be inspired and ultimately enjoy the view at Southbourne Beach”.
The successful supplier will access the site from Monday, May 23, with trading starting on Saturday May 28.
Trading will cease on Sunday, October 1, next year, with the council expecting a scaled back operation to be delivered over the winter months.
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