Artist's impression of new Rockfish restaurant in Sidmouth. Credit Grainge Architects.
Artist's impression of new Rockfish restaurant in Sidmouth. Credit Grainge Architects.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) and Rockfish have signed a lease agreement for the public toilet site at Port Royal on Sidmouth seafront.

Planning Permission was granted in June this year for Rockfish to open a new restaurant on the site of the old Drill Hall and adjacent public toilets.

The toilets will remain open and maintained by EDDC until Rockfish works commence during autumn.  At that time the existing toilets will be demolished and temporary toilets will be in place until a new separate toilet block opens in December 2024. Managed by Rockfish, the new fully-accessible toilets will be external to the restaurant and accessible directly from the pavement, reducing the risk of antisocial behaviour.  

The work to refurbish the Drill Hall and finalise the new restaurant and outdoor seating area is expected to be completed in late Summer 2025.   Upgrading the historical building with new modern facilities will deliver an attractive food destination for residents and visitors which will benefit the town’s economy and beyond.

Cllr Paul Hayward, East Devon District Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economy and Assets, said:

 “I’m excited to see progress towards a new restaurant for  Rockfish and welcome their investment in Sidmouth that will create local jobs. It will help to revitalise the east end of Sidmouth’s historic seafront esplanade providing a placemaking solution for this neglected area of the town.

“I’m delighted to report that thanks to a suggestion received from a member of the public, Rockfish will ensure that the benches in the shelter will be relocated elsewhere along the seafront or in the town, in due course.”   

Mitch Tonks, CEO of Rockfish, said: 

“With our focus on quality, family and sustainability, we believe Rockfish is the perfect fit for this seafront location. It will provide a delicious destination for people to eat fresh seafood while enjoying the attractive coastal views from this location.” 

“We are investing around £2m in the Drill Hall location and will be creating 30 – 40 jobs.   Once the building is developed, as part of our agreement with the Council, we will be looking to “sell” the long leasehold interest in the building by way of an assignment of the lease.  At the same time Rockfish will be granted a long lease at current market rent.  This sale & leaseback type of transaction is in the normal course of business for a company like ours whereby we recoup some of our investment in return for paying rent.”