Site is now being marketed to commercial interests having been solely marketed to non-commercial organisations for the last three months


 Sidmouth’s Drill Hall site is now being marketed to commercial investors having been exclusively marketed to community and non-commercial organisations for the last three months.

 East Devon District Council, who own the site, made a commitment to the community earlier this year to give non-commercial interests a head start in putting together proposals and it was solely marketed to these organisations first. The site is also now being marketed to commercial organisations until midday on Monday February 4, 2019.

 The council is keen to encourage the widest possible commercial and non-commercial interest in creating a new future for the Drill Hall site and is seeking appropriate uses that would add attraction to the area such as a high quality restaurant / bar development or similar.

 In early 2017, a scoping study around the Port Royal area was commissioned by Sidmouth Town and East Devon District Councils and included 18 months of consultation, communication and engagement with the local community to find out what they would like to see there.

 As a result of hearing what local people wanted and also acknowledging some constraints to the site, the earlier concept of more expansive regeneration of the Port Royal area was ruled out.

 At the same time, the general consensus during the consultation process in the town was that improvement needs to happen to this part of Sidmouth’s seafront and the council would carry out the marketing exercise and continue to work closely with the town council.

 Cllr Geoff Pook, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for Asset Management,  said:
I am pleased that we are continuing with the marketing of the former Drill Hall site to the commercial property sector having given an additional three month period for non-commercial interest.
We look forward to receiving proposals in February next year from both community groups and the commercial sector for this exciting opportunity in Sidmouth.
Cllr Jeff Turner of Sidmouth Town Council said:
The eastern end of Sidmouth’s seafront has much to offer residents and visitors during our festival season, when events on the Ham and at the sailing club are in full swing.
We are now looking forward to receiving a range of innovative and exciting proposals for the Drill Hall site that will recognise the importance of this area to Sidmouth’s heritage and sea activities and to make the area more vibrant and attractive all year round.
Exeter-based JLL is marketing the site and for more information contact John Kinsey at Jones Lang LaSalle at john.kinsey@eu.jll.com