Exmouth’s new watersports centre will open this month

Boards have come down surrounding Exmouth’s new watersports centre revealing how it’s taking shape ahead of its confirmed phased opening during October, according to Devon Live.

The Sideshore development on Exmouth seafront was due to open this summer but has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

With construction work now nearing completion, local developer Grenadier has confirmed a phased launch of Sideshore in October which will see local operator Edge Watersports opening first. An exact date is yet to be confirmed.

As well as offering a watersports centre, the development will include a restaurant run by Exeter celebrity chef Michael Caines.  Featuring a terrace with a retractable glass canopy to ensure the dining area can be used all-year-round, it will open next year.

Rather than a fine dining experience like Caines’ other restaurants, it will include a range of offerings to suit all tastes, from a casual dining restaurant, complete with an upstairs terrace, to a dog-friendly cafe offering a lighter menu, and a beach bar, according to Devon Live.

Aiden Johnson-Hugill, Director of Grenadier, says: “Grenadier is delighted that construction of the new sustainable beachfront development, Sideshore, is near completion. All main structural works are complete, and Edge Watersports and Michael Caines are currently undertaking their fitouts, ready for a phased opening.

“Together we have built an exciting community hub where visitors can learn how to safely stand-up paddleboard, kitesurf, power kite, and sea swim. Sideshore will also help distinguish Exmouth as a leading Watersports destination on the national and international stage.

“This project has always been about providing a place for the community and visitors to Sideshore to be able to learn a new sport, take part in fun activities that support well-being, and of course provide a relaxed place to sit, eat and drink the local produce on offer.”

Edge Watersports opened in 2003 and is currently based at Exmouth Marina. It’s a team with Olympic prospects and multiple world champion titles between them, while a high brand clothing retailer and a well-known cycle operator are set to take the other units.

“Edge Watersports is excited to be opening to the public next month as part of our phased opening,” says Steph Bridge, owner of Edge Watersports. “Our watersports facilities include stand up paddle boarding lessons, kitesurfing lessons, kayak and SUP hire, beach fit, beach yoga and sea swimming, which will all be available at our new Sideshore location at Queen’s Drive.”

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