Exmouth seafront: phase 1 completed

Work can now begin on the watersports centre, Sideshore.

It means that Grenadier Estates are legally required to take over the lease of the site where the new watersports centre they are set to build within five days.

An East Devon District Council spokesman confirmed that their solicitors have been instructed to complete the lease with Grenadier Estates.

And Aiden Johnson-Hugill, director at Grenadier said that the company will be taking control of the site and are ready to start work.

He added: “Work is due to begin on Exmouth’s new sustainable beachfront development, Sideshore, this summer. East Devon District Council has informed Grenadier that the road realignment has been completed and we will now be taking control of the site ready to start works on this exciting project.

“Grenadier is close to selecting their preferred construction partner who will deliver the building in time for the 2020 summer.

“We are also in the process of starting to market the exciting retail opportunity within the scheme and the summer “pods” that will provide a prime location for small businesses looking to benefit from the development’s dramatic location.

“Grenadier have just unveiled the logo and identity for Sideshore and we are now looking forward to creating a space for the community where wellbeing and sustainability are at the heart of this not-for-profit project.”

He added: “We wanted to create a fun, professional identity for Sideshore as we want it to become a community hub where visitors can learn to stand up paddleboard, kitesurf, eat, drink or simply sit and watch the amazing activities and sports on offer.”

“We wanted to create a space for the community where wellbeing and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do. There will be green space to hold events, a new ramp allowing people to access the beach easily, and the building itself has been designed to be in-keeping with the surrounding area, whilst being innovative by introducing new technologies and renewable energy sources.”

Tenants currently confirmed for the watersports centre include Edge Watersports, the family-run instructors, who will be using their experience to teach, train and encourage visitors to get involved and take up one of the exciting sports that will be on offer at the centre.

Activities include kitesurfing, power kiting, stand up paddleboard, beach and water yoga and sea swimming, all aimed at promoting wellness and good health, will be offered..

Edge head coach and world champion kite surfer, Steph Bridge, said: “Our biggest natural resource in Exmouth is the River Exe, and ever since I grew up here, I’ve had the opportunity to be able to sail, windsurf, surf, paddleboard, windsurf, kitesurf and swim – right on my doorstep.”

“From a young age I was driven to teach these sports, and now, to have a venue like Sideshore opening on our seafront we will be able to establish Exmouth as a leading watersports destination. Sideshore will not just create a legacy for future generations but will be a coaching centre that can help to nurture people to take part in a high performance, soon to be Olympic kitesurfing sport.”

Sideshore will not just be home to Edge Watersports, but also local and renowned award-winning celebrity chef, Michael Caines.

His plans for Sideshore will be very different to the fine dining experience available at nearby Lympstone Manor and include a range of offers to suit all tastes, from a casual dining restaurant complete with an upstairs terrace, to a dog-friendly cafe offering a lighter menu and serving homemade ice-creams, local coffee and healthy takeaway snacks.

Mr Caines added: “We’ll be using local ingredients to showcase the great variety of high-quality food and drink that this area has right on its doorstep with a menu that offers something for everyone.”

“Tourism and hospitality are together a pinnacle of the local economy and job market and we’ll be working with a local academy and college to bring young people through on an apprenticeship scheme to offer them the opportunity to work in the catering and hospitality industry.”

Sideshore is expected to open Summer 2020. Once complete, Grenadier are legally required to take the lease within five days, and have been set a target to build within 12 months.

The Wayne Hemingway consultation report on options for phase 3 of the seafront regeneration is expected to be published this summer.