URL: https://rother.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1962

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: Cabinet received an update from the Head of Housing and Strategic Assets on progress at the Colonnade, the proposed marketing strategy for the refurbished units and the requested surrender of the restaurant lease.   Since October 2025, repairs and maintenance to the Colonnade had progressed well, with no significant delays, and were expected to finish by March 2026.    The Colonnade was split into different categories of spaces, namely one restaurant, four courtyard kiosks, seven ‘wing’ kiosks, and one coastal office and boat shed.  The long-term recommended marketing strategy for these spaces was, as follows:   ·      Restaurant: The existing restaurant would be expanded to include the three adjacent courtyard kiosks, either as one continuous unit or a food court style space.  The expanded restaurant and remaining kiosks would then be marketed together to attract a high quality restaurant operator. ·      Coastal Office and Boat Shed: Occupied by the Coastal Team during the summer, the space would provide essential community services and include a new toilet for kiosk occupiers. ·      Wing Kiosks:  The westernmost wing kiosk might be required for plant equipment if the promenade water feature was restored. The remaining six kiosks would then be marketed as individual business units.   Members were advised that, if the restaurant lease was not surrendered, the kiosks would be marketed to non food and beverage operators. However, this option was expected to generate lower long term financial returns and potential reduced footfall, limiting wider economic benefits, employment opportunities, and overall impact.   A short term marketing approach would run alongside (start early 2026), aimed at activating the Colonnade quickly after the works were completed.  The restaurant was unlikely to be included due to its size, though officers would continue to explore all possibilities.  Smaller kiosks would be offered to long term leaseholders, with the alternative of short term, flexible, low rent leases if long term interest was limited.   The Council would take into account the good relationships and excellent track record of previous tenants when assessing new applications. Cabinet was pleased to note that the refurbished units would offer tenants more security and a new toilet in one of the units.   Officers had reviewed potential uses for the Colonnade and concluded that removing Wingrove House Limited lease’s exclusivity clause and expanding the food offer, either as a food court or a larger restaurant, supported by operators in the wing kiosks, would provide the highest-value use and create a strong destination.   Estimated values for each option were set out in confidential Appendix 1 to the report.   Cabinet moved into confidential session to consider the contents of the confidential Appendix, Agenda Item 15.   Following discussion, Cabinet was supportive of the recommendations proposed and congratulated officers on the contractor used for the renovation works currently being undertaken.   RESOLVED: That:   1)     the option to surrender the lease held by Wingrove House Limited on the terms set out in the confidential appendix be approved, subject to completion of further due diligence and final agreement between both parties;   2)     the Chief Executive be authorised to finalise the particulars of the surrender, in consultation with the Director of Resources and Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Economic Development; and   3)     the general update regarding refurbishment works and the marketing strategy be noted.     (Appendix 1 to this report was considered exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended).  

Date of Decision: February 2, 2026