THE site of the Bistro on the Beach has now been completely flattened as the demolition nears its completion.

The popular Bistro on the Beach in Southbourne has now been removed entirely while BCP Council waits for planning permission to construct its £7million replacement building.

Planning officials previously approved an application for the demolition of the Bistro on the Beach, but plans to build a new restaurant with 17 overnight lodges spread over two floors are yet to be approved.

Once the demolition is complete, a temporary venue will sell food and drink from the site, starting in June.

This pop-up seasonal catering unit will operate until October before returning the following year for the summer season.

Construction of the new bistro, if plans are approved, will commence in autumn 2023, due to be finished a year later in autumn 2024.

As reported, the local authority has submitted an application to its own planning department for a new restaurant, kiosk and public facilities as well as 17 “premium” overnight lodges.

Councillor Mohan Iyengar, BCP Council portfolio holder for tourism and active health, said: “The current building was end-of life, hence the removal. But we’re working actively to keep this location in great shape with the temporary venue coming this summer and the permanent one replacing it from 2024.

“At that time, we’ll have a restaurant with an outside terrace, takeaway kiosk, toilets, beach showers, cycle stands and overnight accommodation in the form of 17 beach lodges.

“It will provide a modern, open, sustainable community hub, enhancing the whole area.”

The plans for the new bistro were put to the public in September last year when Andrew Emery, of the council’s destination development team, said the existing building was “hanging by a thread”.

Concerns were also raised about beach hut tenants having their licences revoked.

Mr Emery said: “The 14 tenants have been contacted and we have offered them alternative sites on a first come, first served basis.

“I am very aware that many of those tenants would ideally like to be relocated in the Southbourne area, that is not possible because once the site is demolished the council will only have two beach huts in the area.

“The rest of the huts are a mixture of super huts, or they are private sites so there aren’t any other offers in the Southbourne area.

“We aren’t obliged to find alternative sites, but it is in our best interests, and we want to be looking after our tenants as best we can.”