New bar to open at Portishead Quays Marina?

Portishead Marina. (Image: Archant)

Plans have been revealed in the past week for The Siren’s Calling to open at the northern end of the marina at Sixty 8.

Applicant Andrew Holian believes it will address the ‘lack of a traditional pub/bar in the popular marina area’.

The plans, which have recently been published online by North Somerset Council, have been largely well received so far by potential customers and neighbours.

The bar would be capable of holding up to 100 customers at any time, according to the design and access statement submitted as part of the planning application.

It adds: “The internal layout consists of the bar area, with a cellar to the rear and a small secure office space adjacent to the cellar.

“Sanitary facilities, including wheelchair accessible facilities, are located together to one side of the bar.”

The serving of bar snacks, rather than hot food, is proposed for The Siren’s Calling.

The unit where the new business venture is proposed has been empty ever since it was built a few years ago and the redevelopment plans have therefore won some early support.

Karen Stenner, who commented on the plan via the council’s website, believes the plan is a good one.

She said: “These units have been empty since the premises were built.

“They look unsightly and boarded up, which simply makes the beautiful marina look disused and as if ‘we can’t get a business’.

“I believe we do not need more chains and commercial enterprises here in Portishead.

“We need independent businesses who will bring life and interest to our town – supporting local people trying to make their own business.

“We have seen too many independent businesses of this town lost because of the bigger chain companies.

“The plans look very fitting for the area and tasteful.”

Concerns over late-night noise however have been raised to the council, with a large number of flats surrounding the marina.

The planning application concludes the business would offer a ‘social meeting hub’ for the people of Portishead and provide job opportunities.

It says North Somerset Council’s licensing team are broadly supportive of the venture, although an official application would need to be approved before the bar would be allowed to serve alcohol.

To view the plan and to make a comment, visit the council’s planning website and search for code 17/P/5239/FUL.