Decision on future of beach bar site moves closer

A decision on the future use of a seafront venue is a step closer to being finalised following approval of a council's cabinet.

The lease on a section of land on Southbourne Promenade currently occupied by Sobo Beach café and bar expires on October 31.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has marketed the site and has been working to secure an operator for the premises from 1 December, and at a meeting held earlier this week councillor Richard Herrett said there was an "exciting offer that will take this area through the next 20 years".

The council's cabinet unanimously approved recommending the contract to full council to approve granting a new 20-year lease for the site.

At the cabinet meeting, councillor Bernadette Nanovo told members: "Over the past five years, Sobo Beach has grown into much more than a seasonal hospitality venue.

"Residents have described it as a welcoming and inclusive community space.

"Many people feel that Sobo has created something special and that its value extends well beyond its commercial operation.

"Numerous local people rely on Sobo directly or indirectly for their income.

"This is not simply a decision about a lease. For many residents, it's a decision about livelihoods, community connections, and the future of a place they genuinely care about."

Due to "commercially sensitive" information, it is not known who the new operator of the site will be, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Richard Herrett, cabinet member for destination, leisure and commercial operations, said there were five expressions of interest and three were shortlisted in a "very competitive process".

He added: "It is not in anyone's interest for that site to be vacant for any period of time."

Mike Cox, deputy leader of the council, said the authority was in a "difficult financial position", adding they had to "get the best income that we can from any assets that we have".

The contract will go to the next full council meeting on 13 October.