Havre des Pas café and restaurant could make way for 20 flats

Monday 15 January 2018

The Caribbean Vibz Restaurant, previously known as Nelson's Eye, the Drifters Beach Bar and Café, as well as Maison Chaussey Guest House, could soon disappear if plans to build a five-storey apartment building are approved.

The Caribbean Vibz Restaurant, previously known as Nelson's Eye, the Drifters Beach Bar and Café, as well as Maison Chaussey Guest House, could soon disappear if plans to build a five-storey apartment building are approved.

While the existing premises cover 465sqm, the new development would take that figure up to 1,733sqm, with an additional 287square feet of terrace. 

The building roof has been designed as a communal amenity space complete with a garden to be enjoyed by all residents. An outdoor communal space would sit at the back of the building, along the promenade. 

Pictured: A propose view of the new development seen from the top of Havre des Pas Gardens. (Axis Mason)

The garage would only be able to house 20 parking spaces, including six with charging points, distributed between two levels. The vehicle entrance and exit would back onto Havre des Pas. A total of 12 bicycle bays have are also planned.

A mixture of copper cladding, face brick, concrete and lime stone cladding has been considered for the facade, as well as zinc and lime stone cladding coupled with bronze and white render.

In a design statement, the architects stated that the building facades could be articulated in different ways to reduce its massing and visual impact. This, they say, could be achieved through balconies set back from the facade and a stepped roof line at the fourth floor level. The architects have also aimed to ensure the impact on the Marina Metro Hotel would be minimised and that natural light wouldn't be blocked. 

Pictured: The current layout of the area, as seen from the road. (Google Maps)

Axis Mason Limited say they have designed the new scheme to continue the "rejuvenation" of the area "by providing a more appropriate and characterful development consisting of contemporary apartments that will assist in the repair of the streetscape and increase the value of the surrounding area, whilst maintaining a scale which is appropriate for its context."

As part of the development, the architects have assured they will also replace the current nearside public pavement "to create a safe, new pedestrian crossing point."

Pictured: Caribbean Vibz, the Drifters Beach Bar and Café, as well as Maison Chaussey Guest House, could all disappear if the development is approved.

While the development will provide new accommodation in the area, it will also mean the loss of a guest house which the the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture said they "regretted" in a letter enclosed in the planning application.

Comments on the application can be sent to the Planning Department until the end of the month.