The derelict land, which has blighted the golden mile for a number of years, provides the council with a ‘unique opportunity’ to look at future development opportunities for what is a prime investment site.
Cllr John Lamb, Leader of the Council, says: “This is a unique opportunity to buy a prime seafront site that has the potential to offer strategic and regeneration benefits to the Council and the seafront area particularly for future development opportunities and car parking.
“This site has been a blot on the landscape for many years now, so we have made a bid, which if successful would give us the opportunity to step in, regenerate and greatly improve the appearance of the site, deal with the remediation and put the land to positive use.”
The 3.5 acre prime seafront site was previously owned by Robert Leonard Estates who secured planning permission for a substantial residential, commercial and hotel development. However works were never commenced and the planning permission has expired.
Councillors considered a commercially sensitive report on the subject at Cabinet on Tuesday.