A 20 year lease for the Southbourne Promenade site occupied by SoBo Beach will go to full council, with councillors set to receive a confidential briefing first. A lease lasting 20 years for a Southbourne Promenade venue is closer after cabinet approval. The site, which is currently occupied by SoBo Beach café and bar, has been marketed by BCP Council because the present lease ends on October 31. The council ran an open procurement process to choose an operator from December 1. At the cabinet meeting on September 30, Councillor Bernadette Nanovo said residents had described SoBo Beach as “a
A lease lasting 20 years for a Southbourne Promenade venue is closer after cabinet approval.
The site, which is currently occupied by SoBo Beach café and bar, has been marketed by BCP Council because the present lease ends on October 31. The council ran an open procurement process to choose an operator from December 1.
At the cabinet meeting on September 30, Councillor Bernadette Nanovo said residents had described SoBo Beach as “a welcoming and inclusive community space”. She said the decision affected “livelihoods, community connections” as well as the future of the seafront site.
The identity of the proposed new operator has not been released because the information is commercially sensitive. Councillor Richard Herrett said there had been five expressions of interest and three shortlisted bids, with “a very competitive process”.
He said the preferred offer would bring strong financial standing, investment from the private sector and a credible delivery plan. Councillor Mike Cox said the council had to secure as much income as possible from its assets because of its financial position.
Cabinet unanimously agreed to recommend the contract to full council. Councillors will receive a confidential briefing on financial and procurement details before the final decision is considered on October 13.
