Developers of a cyclists’ cafe on Deal seafront say the venture would create jobs and benefit the town.

The Mercury reported last week that the building, near to The Royal Hotel in Beach Street and owned by Dover District Council, has now been leased and could be converted into a cafe.

It is currently being used as a storage facility by Deal Angling Club HQ and its seafood stall and before that it was a public convenience.

Platform 1 owners Nick and Andy Stevens, along with Deal Tri chairwoman Yvonne Hankin, and vice-chairman Gary Holmes, have taken on the new venture to turn it into a healthy cafe for cyclists called Route 1. The developers also hope it will become a community hub for events.

Nick Stevens said: “We’re not competing with anyone, we’re enhancing the seafront with a facility that has never been here before.

“The footfall for Deal seafront is all year round and will be greatly enhanced by this. It’s already a very popular location.”

Mr Holmes explained that the building is along the National Cycle Network Route 1 and hundreds of cyclists ride this route.

There will be a cycle repair shop at the back where his son George Holmes will work as well as a lock hire service with a secure place for bikes with CCTV cameras.

The cafe will sell coffee, cakes, salads and healthy takeaways as well as Route 1 branded energy bars and TV screens showing important cycling events such as the Tour de France.

Mr Stevens added: “It’s not just for cyclists, its a cafe for everybody.

“We will provide facilities for any event that’s happening along the seafront and we expect to create up to 12 jobs which will increase when we are open in the evenings in summer. And we will be open on Boxing Day for the dip.

“It’s got to be the best option for the building. It is for the good of Deal and for the benefit of this popular seaside town.”

The seafood stall will remain on site and Mr Stevens said this was always part of their plan. There will also be an outside seating area for customers.

Last week, the Mercury reported that Pier View Amusements owner Mark Woolls was concerned that the building had not been put up for tender but a spokesman for DDC said this was not necessary when leasing a building. According to the report on its website, Platform 1 consortium had the most developed business plan which was why it was chosen.

Deal Town Council has recommended the application for refusal but the final decision will be made by DDC.