Council offer trio of prime summer retail pitches for rent on Bideford Quay

Torridge District Council have opened the application process for three summer trading pitches on Bideford Quay and are inviting businesses and individuals to register their interest by 5pm on 15^th May. The pitches offer a unique trading location from the historic town centre quay, which remains a popular draw with holiday makers and locals during the summer months. The concessions will be let from June to the end of August, with a licence to trade running from Monday to Sunday and 9am to 9pm.

The council is keen to hear from both established businesses and fledgling enterprises looking for an opportunity to try out a new business idea or concept. Part of the council's aspiration for the letting is to bring new audiences to the location and town centre, and at the same time support social enterprises. The three pitches available will each have a footprint of 4.85m by 4.35m and will be let at a rate of £120 plus VAT per month. Electricity and water can be supplied for a small daily fee. Business rates apply, although there is an expectation that some businesses may qualify for an exemption under small business rate relief.

The pitch provision is part of the council's goal to bring more vibrancy to the town during the summer period and its wider support of local business activity and the economy. Although the pitches will lend themselves to high footfall food concessions the council is also keen to support other types of retail as well. There will be some restrictions on what can be sold, which will exclude such items as alcohol and ice cream or lollies. Food concessions should ideally offer a range of items including healthy options and where possible make use of local produce, all of which will be factors in the scoring when the allocations are decided.

Sean Kearney - Head of Communities and Place said:   

"Opportunities to trade at such a prime location as Bideford quay are pretty rare and with its high summer footfall and excellent facilities we are anticipating that there will be a high demand for these desirable pitches. We're ideally looking for more variety with a different offer to what is already available locally and something that will help develop and maximise additional commercial opportunities. However, we don't want to discourage anyone from applying as a diverse mix of retail stalls that don't cross compete is important as well."   

Applicants can view the full letting criteria for the pitches and download an application form at www.torridge.gov.uk/lettings or for further queries call the councils estates officer on 01237 428738.

03 May 2023