Venus Company gets the green light for extensive renovations at Broadsands
The Venus Company with a turnover of £2 – 3 m announces its planning application for ambitious plans to revamp the Broadsands Venus beach cafe in Paignton has been approved by Torbay Council. The multi-international award-winning business submitted images and drawings to Torbay Council together with a planning application for renovations to revamp the latest beach café in the company’s portfolio. The project has been given the go-ahead for works to start in the winter of 2023.
A well-respected and renowned environmental champion with sustainability at its heart, Venus operates its beach café business across South Devon all year round, including Broadsands, Bigbury-on-Sea, opposite the iconic Burgh Island, and East Portlemouth just a short and picturesque ferry ride from Salcombe, which opens throughout the summer season.
The company has won multi-awards for its sustainable credentials, serving the best, locally-sourced ingredients with many of its dishes coming from the nearby land or sea. With Broadsands being located in the heart of the English Riviera, visitors can enjoy a taste of the sea with delicious fresh and sustainable seafood specials from Devon Day Boats.
Michael Smith, MD – The Venus Company says, “We are absolutely delighted our Broadsands project has been approved by the Council and plan to complete Phase 1 – the external works - by March 2023. This will be the development of the outside decking.” He adds: “The development will have sustainability at its heart using materials known for their low impact and long-lasting nature, such as home-grown larch and zinc roof. We will also add bat and bird boxes as well as hedgehog houses as part of our ongoing biodiversity conservation ethos, to help preserve the wealth of habitats and ecosystems in Devon and beyond.”
It will be a couple of years for the whole plan to be implemented and we are carrying out the works in phases to limit disruption and closures due to construction.” He adds, “We hope to implement the internal works during the winter of 2023, which will add 40 covers.”
Very dog-friendly, the café is situated at Broadsands at the heart of the South West Coast Path with stunning views across the whole Bay. The gently shelving beach with calm and crystal-clear water proves very popular with both locals and visitors alike and is perfect for family days out and year-round water sports. The site is very accessible and boasts a large car park, beach huts, and toilets.
Venus acquired the site at Broadsands in 2021 and the plans for the newest acquisition are focused on providing a fantastic beachside facility worthy of a premier resort destination in the 2020s. The proposals include creating two new decking levels to improve and increase the outdoor seating at the front of the café, allowing an even greater view of Broadsands, one of the best beaches in Devon, and able to open longer through the summer season to meet evening trade. The design draws on a natural beach theme, extensively using timber, planting, and careful use of glass to break up the existing monolithic design, allowing the building to blend in effortlessly with the beautiful landscape.
“We’re very excited about the renovations for Broadsands and all the benefits that will bring to our new and loyal customers. On the ground floor, the old toilet block will be used for storage and changing for water sports. At the front, the café will continue to offer takeaway and the addition of a small shop offering wetsuits, dry robes, and beach games.
He adds: “We understand the importance of providing a sustainable facility for local residents and tourists across all seasons with 362 days a year opening. This includes extending the hours to include evening dining both inside and outside during the summer months. Our Venus beach cafes are suitable for all ages and are very family-friendly.
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