Is it a landmark or eyesore? – Owl
Devon’s new landmark takes shape
Chloe Parkman www.devonlive.com
New pictures show the transformation of Exmouth’s new Sideshore development – which is almost complete.
The water sports complex at Exmouth sea front was due to open last summer, however it was delayed by the pandemic.
In November, Devon Live reported that local developer Grenadier indicated it will be a phased opening beginning with local operator Edge Watersports opening first back in October.
Sideshore development in Exmouth
It is being run by four-times world champion kite-surfer Steph Bridge – It is anticipated Steph and two of her three sons will qualify for the next Olympics, meaning Sideshore will become a world-renowned watersports destination in the UK.
As well as offering a watersports centre, the development includes a restaurant run by Exeter celebrity chef Michael Caines.
It will feature a terrace with a retractable glass canopy to ensure the dining area can be used all-year-round – an opening date for the restaurant is yet to be confirmed.
It was due to open in the summer of 2020 but delayed due to coronavirus
Last year, a look inside the Mickeys Beach Bar and Restaurant alongside Sylvain Peltier and Michael’s Café Patisserie Glacerie was revealed.
The project will incorporate a casual bar complete with resident weekend DJs, first floor destination restaurant with a glasshouse and outdoor terraces alongside neighbouring Café Patisserie Glacerie which will serve serve artisan pastries and ice-creams.
The development looks over the seafront
Aiden Johnson-Hugill, director of Grenadier, said last year: “Together we have built an exciting community hub where visitors can learn how to safely stand-up paddleboard, kitesurf, power kite, and sea swim.
“Sideshore will also help distinguish Exmouth as a leading Watersports destination on the national and international stage.”
Devon Live get it completely wrong when they write “As well as offering a watersports centre, the development includes a restaurant run by Exeter celebrity chef Michael Caines.”. It should be ‘Alongside a dominant restaurant and Café Patisserie Glacerie there is a small exclusive watersports centre”.
We may be stuck with this now, and we must hope it succeeds and does not become another drain on the public purse.
The previous administration really should be ashamed that this came about under the argument for a watersports centre, it has never been the prime intention.
Since when has the planning case for a garage led to the the building of of a mansion alongside? Graham Brown would have been proud of the way the system was played on this one.
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