St Austell Brewery has secured a long-term lease for the Harbour Light in Paignton. It will become part of the Cornish brewer’s managed pub restaurant estate.
St Austell Brewery has plans to significantly invest in the development of the vacant two-storey property, which sits on the town’s picturesque harbourside. Torbay Council has granted the brewery a 90-year lease on the Grade II listed building – believed to have first been used as a fish cellar and net store – which it will sensitively restore, to ensure its historic character is respected.
The former restaurant, complete with workshops, storage buildings, and two shopfronts is currently empty. Planning approval has been received for St Austell Brewery’s development to include a new bar and dining venue, outdoor balcony seating overlooking the harbour, and a small coffee shop and takeaway.
The development opportunity is a product of the Torbay Council’s Port Masterplan and has been promoted by the Torbay Harbour Committee. The project supports the objectives set out in Torbay’s Economic Strategy and Destination Management Plan. Following a tendering process, the brewery is working in partnership with TDA to bring improvements to Paignton.
Councillor Swithin Long, Torbay Council Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing, said: “This is another example of a successful private operator bringing investment, development and regeneration into Torbay, which in turn will create jobs. This project supports the objectives set out in Torbay’s Economic Strategy and Destination Management Plan and complements other investment in Paignton such as the Fragrance Group at Park Hotel.”
Councillor Nicole Amil, Chairman of the Harbour Committee, said: “The Council and Harbour Committee are keen to see the harbour become a better destination. While keeping the character of the existing harbour and improving space for harbour users it will bring more vibrancy to the area. This significant investment into an iconic building will increase the vitality of our much loved Paignton Harbour.”
Steve Worrall, Retail Director, St Austell Brewery, said: “We’re delighted to have secured a long-term lease on the Harbour Light restaurant. The building has huge potential, so we’re excited to be working closely with Torbay Council and the Harbour Committee to sensitively restore it into a family-friendly venue, with unrivalled views of Paignton’s harbourside.
“We look forward to opening the new Harbour Light pub restaurant in due course and welcoming local residents and visitors.”
Matt Bettesworth, Bettesworths Chartered Surveyors, said: “We are delighted to hear the news that St Austell Brewery have recently secured planning permission for the Harbour Light restaurant regeneration.
“It is clear that St Austell Brewery will bring an impressive offering to this historic building and have both the experience and investment ability to put this waterside property on the map. St Austell Brewery know Torbay well with several outlets trading successfully in the Bay and in particular the Old Market House at Brixham, which has many similarities to the Harbour Light property. Residents and visitors to Torbay will no doubt be delighted to see further investment coming into the Bay and will soon have another quality waterside establishment to visit and enjoy.”
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