New cafe and bar to open at Eastbourne Railway Station

Eastbourne Borough Council has conditionally approved plans to refurbish the former booking hall and the adjoining shop unit into a venue seating 50 to 60 people.

The conditions state that the development should be commenced within three years; it should be carried out in accordance with approved drawings, and that illuminated signage should be turned off outside licensing hours to protect ‘visual and residential amenity’.

The cafe and bar – called Cantina – is the brainchild of businesswoman Shoes Simes, who owns several Eastbourne pubs – including The Eagle, The Dew Drop Inn and The Rainbow.

The new business could create about 30 jobs for local people, according to the plans.

The planning documents state: “The proposals will provide a high quality café and bar within Eastbourne’s busy railway station.

"The site is ideally positioned for local residents, travellers and visitors to the town centre and shall complement the existing food and drink offerings within the station and surrounding streets.

"Cantina will add to the ambiance and place making of both Terminus Road and surrounds, as well as providing a positive welcome and first impression to visitors arriving by train."

The refurbishment is designed to respect the Grade II Listed building status, according to the documents, with ‘minimal impact’ on the existing building which has remained largely unchanged since the early 20th Century.

According to the proposals, the venue will be open Sunday to Thursday from 6am to 1.30am, and until 2.30am on Friday and Saturday, subject to a licence application.

For more information, see application reference 240276 on the Eastbourne Borough Council website.