Plans have been submitted to transform a former Devon restaurant which closed after a fire into a new venue.
The former Beachcomber café on Teignmouth seafront has been shut since it was damaged in the blaze in 2017.
BusinessLive’s sister website DevonLive reported at the start of this year that the eatery could be set for a return after Teignbridge District Council agreed to advertise a new longer lease for the building, following a lengthy legal battle with its former tenant.
Torquay-based agency Fruition Design has now drawn up proposals on behalf of the new leaseholders, who have secured a 20-year stay, to refurbish the premises.
The new occupiers plan to operate a new “high-quality” 88-seater restaurant called The Captain's Table which could also include a bar and takeaway service.
If approved, work to improve the venue’s accessibility is expected to begin in late autumn and be completed by spring 2023.
The refurbishment could also see the construction of a unisex toilet block, eight publicly accessible bike racks and beach showers, a new kitchen and takeaway service to the lower ground floor, new service lifts between floors, a new internal staircase and serving bar.
Business owner Peter Royle who is also the proprietor of the nearby Finn McCools fish and restaurant, said: “We have been working in Teignmouth for over six years and are excited to be given the opportunity to ‘strengthen the bench’ of the town’s hospitality sector.
"The promenade is such a special place. The Captain’s Table will provide a new opportunity to bring light and energy to this iconic location. With that, all year-round enjoyment throughout the day and into the evening.”
Cllr Richard Keeling, Teignbridge District Council’s executive member for corporate resources, said he was “excited” by the new plans.
"We had an excellent response from the formal tendering process which took place earlier this year and chose The Captain’s Table as the best option for Teignmouth," he said.
“The incoming tenants are showing their commitment to the town by not only taking a 20-year lease but by undertaking a major refurbishment of the building. Their plans are exciting, will cater for both local people, visitors and holidaymakers, contributing to the town’s economic growth and prosperity all year round and not just in the holiday season.”
Fruition Design director Mark Green said everyone involved in the project - from the design team to the owners and contractors - would all come from the local community.
"We are all committed to creating a successful new venture at the heart of Teignmouth that we can all be proud of," he added. "We hope the plans will be swiftly approved by the planners so we can get work underway after the holiday season, be open next year and start building the bright future we see for this fantastic venue.”
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