Developer sought for Queen’s Drive Leisure Area

A developer is being sought for Queen’s Drive Leisure Area, the unique 9.3 acre seafront site in Exmouth.

This follows the outline planning approval obtained in December 2013 for the development of the site into a recreation and leisure zone.

The site is being marketed on behalf of East Devon District Council by property consultants, Jones Lang LaSalle, appointed using the standard local authority procurement process.

John Kinsey, director at Jones Lang LaSalle’s Exeter office, said “It is very rare that a seafront site of this size is brought to the market, especially in this area. Queen’s Drive presents a fantastic opportunity to create an exciting all year round attraction that will be focused on watersports, leisure and play for all ages. Its attractive seafront location has the potential to attract significant new investment from the businesses that move there and visitors who come to enjoy what the area has to offer. We expect this prime development opportunity to generate significant interest.”

East Devon District Council owns the site and is looking for one or more developer to take the site forward. The development will include an indoor play and recreation area, a watersports hub, public open space, a hotel or holiday accommodation, cafes, restaurants and shops, and car parking. The existing road will be moved away from the seafront to improve access to the beach and add to the attractiveness of the area.

Councillor Andrew Moulding, deputy leader of East Devon District Council and chairman of the Exmouth Regeneration Board, said: “The recent bad weather has highlighted the desperate need for the town to have all-weather facilities for local people and to attract visitors all year round. This would also mean more money in the town and more jobs. We look forward to seeing what the market has to offer and we are especially keen to hear from any local businesses, including existing leaseholders on the site, interested in investing in this prime location. The development of this site provides a clear message to the market that Exmouth is very much open for business.”

The site runs from the old lifeboat station to the far edge of the existing Queen’s Drive car park and the site is being offered on a long leasehold basis. Interested parties should contact John Kinsey, john.kinsey@eu.jll.com or visit www.joneslanglasalle.co.uk. The deadline for development proposals is 30 April 2014. Any proposals made by existing leaseholders or local businesses will also be forwarded for consideration. Proposals will be assessed against a set of selection criteria and one or more appointments made in the summer. Detailed planning consent will be required before construction can begin. The majority of the leases on the existing site will then terminate, likely to be towards the end of 2014.

Queen’s Drive Leisure Area is a key development within the Exmouth Vision to establish the resort as an attractive 21st century destination for residents, businesses and visitors.