THE FINAL phase in the development of the historic Gravesend town pier is underway.

After an award-winning £1.5m renovation of the pier last year, plans have now been submitted to Gravesham Council to create a restaurant and bar, named Q, on the site.

Q Breweries, owned by Gravesend businessmen Christian Bullas and Shaun Smith, last week submitted the plans which will now need to be approved by the council.

Mr Smith told News Shopper: "We are hoping to build an Italian restaurant with a bar."

He added: "We feel Gravesham desperately needs something like this and we hope to give everyone, from 18-year-olds to 45 and 55-year-olds somewhere they can go and enjoy themselves."

By having a separate bar and restaurant Q Breweries hope to take advantage of the pier's location.

Mr Smith said: "The pier is a fantastic venue, which is why we're locating the restaurant at the far end of the pier to take advantage of the views.

"The fact there is nothing else like this in Gravesend is a major selling point."

The council's regulatory board is expected to consider the planning application at the end of May and it is hoped the restaurant will open by the end of the summer.

April 29, 2003 13:00