Construction of Littlehampton’s new café and watersports venue ‘coming on well’

Construction of Littlehampton’s new café and watersports venue is fully underway.
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Following delays mainly caused as a result of the pandemic and material supply, along with revised limited contractor operation, ‘the build is now coming on well’, a spokesman for Arun District Council said.

They added: “The developers have completed the first fix and hope to be open in some form in April, even if this is just takeaway, but fully open by May, subject to government rules concerning the easing of lockdown.”

Planning consent was granted for the venue back in 2017.

The new cafe and watersports venue for Littlehampton is under construction. Picture: Steve RobardsThe new cafe and watersports venue for Littlehampton is under construction. Picture: Steve Robards
The new cafe and watersports venue for Littlehampton is under construction. Picture: Steve Robards
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The venue is located on the seafront opposite the skate park where the under-used promenade shelter is currently situated and will offer customers the opportunity to have a meal while enjoying the fantastic sea views.

This part of the seafront is the council’s designated location for water sport activities and the facility will offer kite surfing and stand-up paddle boarding lessons, as well as on-site amenities such as toilets, showers, shelter and cycle racks.

In 2016, the site was advertised as a development opportunity with the council keen for proposals that would add value and support the local tourism economy.

Following a competitive tendering and shortlisting process, Jamie Hawkins, owner of Coastal Coffee, became the successful business operator.

The new cafe and watersports venue for Littlehampton is under construction. Picture: Steve RobardsThe new cafe and watersports venue for Littlehampton is under construction. Picture: Steve Robards
The new cafe and watersports venue for Littlehampton is under construction. Picture: Steve Robards
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Jamie, who has many years of experience in operating food and drink outlets and is also a former professional windsurfer who won the world championships three times, said: “This has been a dream of mine for many years. The facility, which is yet to be named, will fill an important gap in the market, linking the venue to the main visitor seafront and the new leisure centre and Mewsbrook Park, making this area of seafront more appealing.

“The water sport aspect of the business will enable me to give something back to the community and a great way of sharing my passion and knowledge of water sports I have practised over the years.”