Council invites business interest in Colonnade

The Council is in the current edition of Estates Gazette hoping to attract interest from prospective businesses in future redevelopment.

The advert reads: "Rother District Council plans to refurbish the Colonnade to create a number of high quality restaurants, cafes, and bars which will enjoy stunning sea views and a unique position on the heart of Bexhill seafront.

"The Council would like to talk to restaurateurs, bars, cafes and retailers who are interested..."

Those tempted are asked to contact Graham Burgess, head of regeneration, and the advert ends on the slogan 'Ride The Next Wave'.

"I think it's a bit naughty," said Sally Stace, of Brockley Road, who informed the Observer of the advert.

"A friend of mine spotted it and showed it to me, saying - ooh, we didn't know that has gone through.

"I said - No, it hasn't."

Next Wave project manager Janice Windle said: "The Council has always stated its desire to restore and redevelop the Colonnade to provide a more attractive offer for visitors and to boost the evening economy, but to do so without a sound business case would be unwise. By asking for submissions of interest we can see if there is such a demand for such a scheme. The Council has always said that if there is no appetite in the business world for redeveloping the Colonnade to include cafes and restaurants it will not go ahead.

"The Council is not prejudging the situation but 'testing the ground' so as not to incur any unnecessary expense or create false expectations around the scheme. If there is significant business interest, further plans will be drawn up.

"Doing nothing, however, is not an option. The Colonnade will still require significant investment to keep it in a fit state even if these proposals do not come to fruition."