CAFES and restaurants are being offered the chance to set up shop inside a newly refurbished seafront building.

Property agents Savills is inviting businesses to operate from the restored Shelter Hall at the bottom of West Street, Brighton.

The building, which dates back to the 1880s, has been surrounding by hoardings since 2015 as workers returned it to its former glory.

Now, with the site nearing completion, Brighton and Hove City Council has turned to businesses to fill the landmark structure.

The Argus:

To let signs at the site say it has 1,292 sqft of cafe space and 14,574 sqft available for restaurants, though it is believed deals have already been agreed with some businesses to occupy this space.

Chris Bickle, licensed leisure director at Savills, said: “The letting is the next stage of this multi-million pound investment, which has transformed this area of King’s Road Arches.

“With the potential for a variety of occupiers, we’re expecting significant interest.”

Meanwhile his colleague, leisure director Carlene Hughes, said the Shelter Hall “represents a truly unique opportunity to acquire premium leisure space in a standout property in an unrivalled location in Brighton”.

The Argus:

Savills is working with Brighton and Hove City Council to find businesses to fill the building.

Nick Hibberd, the council’s executive director for economy, environment and culture, said: “This will be a fantastic landmark in the centre of the city’s seafront with high footfall.

“The rebuilding of Shelter Hall will double the commercial space of the original and, as part of our Seafront Investment Programme, provide an opportunity to become a centrepiece of our vibrant tourist offer that attracts 11 million visitors a year.”

The council began inviting expressions of interest from businesses wanting to rent space in Shelter Hall in April.

The Argus:

Since the redevelopment of the site began five years ago, work has been carried out around it with more than 100 concrete piles being sunk into Brighton beach to prepare the area for the new building.

The seafront road and King’s Road Arches that surround it have also been strengthened and secured.

Remaining work will be carried out through the summer and autumn.

This includes the installing of external fittings such as windows and doors, as well as work to complete the roof.