VIDEO: Beach Green building to finally open its doors
“It’s good news for everybody here because people are tired of seeing a derelict building and I’m tired of seeing it as a building site,” said Alexander Hole, managing director of Strenson Solar, who bought the building three years ago.
“I want it to be opening and I want it to be running now, and that’s the main thing,” he added.
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Hide AdFor years residents have complained about the ‘eyesore’ that was once the site of an historic pub, but now the building is taking shape will feature a new café and gym for the community.
Alex continued: “We hope it will be a major attraction for Lancing beach and a destination for getting people down.
“We’re developing the building to be a café and gym with some apartments upstairs.
“We’re looking forward to opening in the summer, developing it further and going out to a local audience.”
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Hide AdOwner of Beach Fit Gym in Shoreham, Paul Crane, will be expanding his business and opening up a second branch on the site.
Paul said: “We really want to make it a place where everyone can come, young and old, so mum and dad can have a workout, and the kids can have a snack in the café.”
Fitness instructor Kate Radford said the gym will also be offering a wide range of beach activities.
She said: “We’re going to move fitness onto the beach, and try to bring the water and land together in fitness with paddle boarding, beach circuits and surfset.”
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Hide AdAlso, professional boxer Lee Jenman will be running classes on the BoxMaster, boxing equipment which is endorsed by Hugh Jackman.
People will be able to view the new facilities in May before starting their membership in June.
Alex added: “The problem with doing such a bespoke building is it is slow, and trying to do everything in a manner that is responsible and carbon friendly is also a big challenge.
“I’m looking forward to getting something going here.
“It’s taken a long time.”