A coffee shop owner is set to become the first tenant of a near 200-year-old seafront “garden temple”.
Philip Cundall will open a café at the Temple at Black Rock on Brighton seafront in the spring.
The cafe will be inside the recently restored “garden temple” which was designed and built in 1835 by architect William Kendall who laid out Madeira Drive and designed the nearby Old Reading Room.
Philip also runs coffee shop Portland in St George’s Road, Kemp Town.
He said: “The view from the Temple is stunning and I am thrilled to be able to look out over the sea while establishing a new business in such a charming and unique building.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to re-purpose the Temple while honouring its past and creating a neighbourhood hub and meeting place.
“I want to retain a sense of playfulness in my restoration of this unique building, creating a destination for the community to come together, meet, sit and enjoy the beautiful views, just as they did almost 190 years ago.
“I plan a simple and sympathetic transformation of the space, preserving original features whilst creating a beautiful interior room and an attractive outside space.
“All building materials will be locally sourced, furniture and fittings up-cycled or vintage and the paved terrace will have permanent planters made of repurposed or sustainably sourced wood.”
The renovation is part of Brighton and Hove City Council’s wider works on Black Rock. The council said the renovated Reading Room will also have a new tenant in the coming weeks.
People will be able to enjoy food and drink on the paved terrace overlooking the sea.
The Temple will be a coffee shop during the day and Philip is applying for a premises licence to be able to serve alcohol during the summer months.
Philip said: “On long summer evenings, this is the perfect spot to enjoy the view and amazing sunsets we get over the sea.
“To be able to sit with a glass of wine or a cold beer would be the perfect end to a summer's day.”
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