SOBO Beach warns the popular bar could close for months as the lease changes hands
SOBO Beach says it has lost Southbourne seafront lease as operators warn venue could face closure
SOBO Beach has said it is not the preferred operator for the future of the Southbourne seafront site it currently occupies, warning that the venue could close while a new operator secures planning permission and prepares to develop the premises.
The lease on the section of Southbourne Promenade occupied by the café and bar expires on October 31st.
BCP Council has marketed the site as part of a tender process to secure an operator for a new 20-year lease, with access to the premises due to be available from December 1st.
Last month, the council’s cabinet unanimously agreed to recommend that full council approve the granting of the new lease.
In a statement, SOBO Beach said it wanted to address “rumours” surrounding the process and confirm that it was not the preferred bidder.
The company said the reasons cited in the council’s cabinet report included the bidder offering the “highest guaranteed and projected rental income”, as well as strong covenant strength, significant hospitality experience and an established local presence.
SOBO Beach said it was concerned about the timing of the process, arguing that a new operator might not be able to open a replacement venue for some time.
It said the successful tenant would have access to the site from December 1st but would not have planning permission in place to develop it.
“When we applied for planning permission it took 15 months to secure it,” the operators said.
SOBO Beach has called on BCP Council to consider granting it a rolling lease while a new tender process is carried out, allowing any future operator time to obtain planning permission and prepare development plans.
The operators warned that closing the site before planning permission was secured could leave the venue vacant for an extended period.
“The council has a rare opportunity to prevent a mistake before it happens,” a spokesperson for SOBO Beach said.
The future of the site will be decided by BCP councillors at a full council meeting on October 13th.
The identity of the proposed new operator is expected to be announced after councillors vote on the recommendation.