SOBO Beach can keep operating in Southbourne for another 11 months
A new operator has been approved to take over the site on a 20-year lease
Last updated 14th Oct 2026
SOBO Beach can continue operating on Southbourne Promenade for a further 11 months to allow for a smoother transition between operators.
An amendment was put forward at a full BCP Council meeting on 13th October.
It allows SOBO Beach to continue operating from 1st November 2026 to 30th September 2027, and for the process to be looked at.
At the same meeting, councillors voted to approve a new operator for the site, which is currently run by SOBO Beach.
The preferred bidder was approved by 32 votes to 17, with 11 councillors abstaining.
The current lease for SOBO Beach ends on 31st October.
BCP Council put the site out to tender and received five expressions of interest from operators wanting to take over.
The authority shortlisted three operators and has put forward one to take over the site for the next 20 years.
SOBO Beach has said it is not the preferred bidder for the new 20-year lease.
The decision has sparked controversy in the community over the last few weeks.
More than 10,000 people have signed a petition to save SOBO Beach.