ESSEX - NEW BUILD RESTAURANT OPPORTUNITY WITH ESTUARY VIEWS

Stunning new build restaurant and bar opportunity with unrivalled estuary views.

Blackwater Lodge Retreat is located on the outskirts of the village of Heybridge, near Maldon in Essex. The scheme is situated 2 miles from Maldon town centre, 5.5 miles south-east of Witham and 11 miles east of Chelmsford.

The area is predominantly accessed via the A12 at junction 20a (Hatfield Peverel), providing dual-carriageway connections between the M25 at Brentwood, and Ipswich via Colchester. Rail services are available from nearby Witham with services to London Liverpool Street, Ipswich and Clacton-on-Sea.

Blackwater Lodge Retreat boasts an impressive waterside position on the Saltmarsh Coastal Trail pathway, a 75 mile coastal walkway housing dynamic wildlife habitats, historic villages and stunning landscapes. A new public footpath is due to be constructed, linking the public highway to the coastal path, which is expected to bring high levels of footfall directly to the premises.

Blackwater Lodge Retreat will see the construction of 12 new two/three bedroom lodges for full-time occupation and holiday lets. These bespoke and upmarket lodges are expected to be priced in the region of £400,000 per unit, and will undoubtedly create a consistent income stream for a new operator.

Blackwater Lodge Retreat is an exciting new development which will see the erection of a newly constructed hospitality venue with attractive glass frontage providing unrivalled views over the estuary.
The opportunity comprises of a ground floor lock-up venue, which will be presented to shell condition, ready for fit-out to their own specification by an incoming lessee. The developer is eager to work with an incoming party to make the final product a truly unique experience.

INTERNAL TRADE AREAS
Measuring approximately 1,000 sq ft (GIA) the internal space will comprise:
- LOUNGE BAR/DINING ROOM: Open plan with bifold doors providing views over the estuary. Horseshoe shaped central bar servery. Capable of providing seating for 30-40 customers.
- UNISEX WC
- DISABLED WC
- TRADE KITCHEN
- STORE / STAFF ROOM

EXTERNAL TRADE AREAS
- TERRACE: Elevated trade terrace wrapped around the property, measuring in the region of 1,650 sq ft. Capable of providing seating for up to 80 customers with disabled ramp access.
- WATERFRONT TERRACE: Paved and lawned terrace area fronting the coastal walkway, providing additional seating for 30-40.
- CAR PARKING: To the front of the property for a modest number of vehicles.

OWNERS ACCOMMODATION
Located at first floor level will be a stylish and unique two bedroom flat, available by separate negotiation, comprising:
- OPEN PLAN KITCHEN/DINING/LOUNGE: With bifold door overlook the water.
- EN SUITE DOUBLE BEDROOM
- EN SUITE DOUBLE BEDROOM
- UTILITY ROOM
- SUN TERRACE: Wrapped around the side and rear of the property, providing views.

Blackwater Lodge Retreat is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced operator to take on a blank canvass opportunity and create their own dream. The area is well known for its locally sourced seafood and shellfish, notably the World-renowned Blackwater and West Mersea oyster beds, which could become a unique selling point of the business.

We are of the opinion that the property will well suit an operator who can deliver a high-end experience targeted at high disposable income patrons including walkers, birdwatchers, sailing enthusiasts, neighbouring Marine Club members and new developments at nearby Osea Island.

A new operator will greatly benefit from the large external seating area with unrivalled views, being able to create a truly special al fresco dining experience that enjoys being a sun trap throughout the day and enjoying stunning twilight sunsets over the water in the evening. Similarly this area will provide a more casual wine and dine experience during the day, enticing those using the coastal pathway.

An incoming operator will need to make their own assumptions as to likely achievable trade levels and margins, taking into consideration the demographics of the area, target market and cuisine of choice.

LEASEHOLD - £10,000
An attractive new free-of-tie lease agreement is available as below:
- Grant of a new fully repairing and insuring lease agreement
- For a term of 5-30 years
- Inside Part II Landlord & Tenant Act 1954
- 3 month rental deposit in advance, plus personal guarantors if the lease were taken as a Limited Company, or alternatively a higher rental deposit figure between 6 and 12 months
- Rent £28,000 per annum
- Rent paid quarterly or monthly in advance
- Subject to rent reviews of a frequency to be agreed dependent on the length of term
- Free of all trade ties
- Suitable insurance to be in place prior to exchange of contracts

All negotiations are subject to covenant strength.

Owners accommodation available by separate negotiation.

An incoming party will be required to demonstrate sufficient funds to sustain their business model, and will need to demonstrate ingoing capital to cover refurbishment works, rental deposits, stock, working capital and solicitors fees as a minimum.

An incoming party will be required to apply to the Local Authority to obtain a Premises Licence if desired.

All mains services will be connected.
Rateable Value to be determined.

Further plans are lodged for viewing with Maldon District Council’s planning department under reference 20/01292/FUL