Two-storey café and office space to open in Shoreham Port

Port Kitchen will open its doors in summer next year, offering coffee, food and incredible views from its home next to the Lady Bee Enterprise Centre in Brighton Road.

The port’s current dry dock shed will be converted into a two-storey development to include 1,200sqft of commercial space, alongside outdoor space and seating, while still operating as a dry dock.

Port Kitchen Manager Polly Child said: “We’re excited and proud to be creating a new community destination that will bring employment and vibrancy to the area at a time when hope and growth is so important.

“We will offer fantastic coffee, delicious lunches and light meals, and a modern, welcoming space for everybody to enjoy. Visitors will be able to watch Shoreham Port in action with panoramic views across the lock gates and out to the harbour, vessels will pass right next to our terrace.

“We’ve had so much support for the project and we can’t wait to bring our unique vision to life in 2021.”

Construction is set to start this month, undertaken by contractor Camroux.

Its location next to the lock gates will soon make it a familiar sight for the dozens of cyclists and walkers who pass through the port every day.

Port Kitchen will include ‘substantial’ storage for bikes and will display the history of the 260-year-old port and wider community.

A kiosk service will also serve takeaway drinks and snacks.

In line with the port’s Eco-Port status, Port Kitchen will feature a number of environmentally friendly innovations.

Shoreham Port as a whole is aiming to achieve net-zero air quality emissions by 2021 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

The roof the kitchen will be fitted with solar panels and the planting in and around the café will be local habitat based.

Ingredients will also be sourced locally and the port said it is committed to operating the kitchen in a sustainable way.

The kitchen will offer significant employment opportunities to local people with the creation of several new jobs, with one of the roles being part of the Government’s Kickstart scheme.

Recruitment will begin in January, 2021. If you are interested in job opportunities at Port Kitchen, keep an eye on the Port’s website for updates and details of how to apply – www.shorehamport.co.uk/Jobs.

Over the next few months, the team will be approaching local suppliers to discuss the opportunity to collaborate on Port Kitchen.

If you would like to introduce your company or enquire about commercial unit availability email [email protected].