Bournemouth, Business | Posted on October 7th, 2026 | return to news

SOBO Beach asks for public support as lease end looms

Like the beach itself, the businesses that use Bournemouth seafront will always change. New attractions, new businesses, name changes and new ideas. However, the varied communities that have become part of the SOBO landscape over the six-year life of the venue appear at risk as the site’s lease expires, with another preferred bidder likely to take over the location.

The owner’s primary issue is that when the Southbourne venue shuts at the end of October, once its lease expires, the site will remain derelict until the new leaseholder can take over.

SOBO’s owner Rich Slater highlighted in an email to customers: “What concerns us immediately is that due to the process running late, any new operator is unlikely to be in a position to open a new beachside venue for some time. It took us 15 months to secure planning permission alone.”

As long as the preferred bidder’s identity and plans remain sealed, there is no insight into how long any construction plan would take to reach fruition.

SOBO Beach took over from Bistro on the Beach, and before that, the original structure provided local seafront amenities. During its tenure, SOBO has attracted year-round use and groups including veterans support groups, SEND parents’ groups, men’s mental health groups, mothers’ support groups, while supporting charity and local events.

The owners are campaigning for people who find SOBO Beach special to make their feelings known to councillors before a vote on 13 October, stating: “They (the council) could easily issue SOBO Beach with a rolling lease to stay operating, whilst the council carries out a new tender in a better timescale to allow any operator to get planning permission in place to start development, without shutting the site indefinitely.”

During the last Council Meeting, minutes putting forward the council’s position stated: “The proposed letting to the preferred operator is expected to secure the strongest financial return, demonstrates strong covenant strength, delivers a high-quality visitor proposition and supports the long-term enhancement and sustainable use of a strategically important seafront asset.”

Cllr Mike Cox said the authority was in a “difficult financial position and has to get the best income that we can from any assets that we have.” While the council remains excited about the future, the many local groups will soon have to find a new location for their activities.