An artist’s impression of how the completed project will look
St Austell Brewery has secured a long-term lease for the Harbour Light, in Paignton. It will become part of the brewer’s managed pub restaurant estate.
The company has plans to significantly invest in the development of the vacant two-storey property, which stands on the town’s picturesque harbourside.
Torbay Council has granted a 90-year lease on the grade II listed building — believed to have originally been used as a fish cellar and net store — which it will sensitively restore, to ensure its historic character is respected.
The former restaurant, complete with workshops, storage buildings, and two shopfronts, is currently empty. Planning approval has been received for St Austell Brewery’s development to include a new bar and dining venue, outdoor balcony seating overlooking the harbour, and a small coffee shop and take-away.
‘The building has huge potential’
Swithin Long, Torbay Council cabinet member for economic regeneration, tourism, and housing, said: “This is another example of a successful private operator bringing investment, development and regeneration into Torbay, which in turn will create jobs.
“This project supports the objectives set out in Torbay’s Economic Strategy and Destination Management Plan, and complements other investment in Paignton, such as the Fragrance Group at Park Hotel.”
Steve Worrall, retail director at St Austell Brewery, said: “We’re delighted to have secured a long-term lease on the Harbour Light restaurant. The building has huge potential, so we’re excited to be working closely with Torbay Council and the Harbour Committee to sensitively restore it into a family-friendly venue, with unrivalled views of Paignton’s harbourside.”
