Work has started on transforming the former Deal Angling HQ into the first ever cycling cafe on the South East coast.

The keys were officially handed over to the new owners this week and work on the building in Beach Street started on Thursday (today).

The project is being undertaken by the Route 1 consortium, consisting of Gary Holmes and Yvonne Hankin from Deal Tri and Nick and Andy Stevens from the Platform 1 Deal Station cafe.

Mr Stevens said: “We are delighted to begin work on this very exciting new project which will greatly enhance Deal seafront and bring to life a building that has been an eyesore for too long.

“Route 1 will generate income for the local economy, create employment and has the potential to attract vast numbers of new visitors to Deal and not just for the ever growing market of cyclists, but for all as it will be café to welcome everyone.”

Dover District Council’s estate valuation manager, Rob Reid-Easton met with Nick Stevens and seafood stall holder and previous occupant Dave Harris.

Mr Harris will still be able to run his seafood stall alongside the cafe.

Mr Stevens said: “We also look forward to working alongside Dave and Tina Harris who will continue to operate Deal’s very popular seafood stall and together we can provide joint attractions for both local and tourism markets in a superb and unique seafront location.”

The new cafe will include a cycle technician facility as well as serving quality food and drink.

It will create new job opportunities and will be open all year round.

The work is expected to take three months to complete.