Bay 5 Coffee on Barry Island has lost its bid to renew its lease, putting the future of the business at risk.
Bay 5 Coffee opened in the former lifeguard building on Barry Island Promenade ten years ago, turning the space into a vibrant coffee shop.
In a post on social media on Friday, its owners confirmed that after weeks of waiting, they'd been informed that they had not won the tender process.
In a video featuring business owner Sophia and Bay 5 Coffee manager Jane, Bay 5 Coffee said "Apologies for the radio silence. It's unfortunately taken several weeks for us to receive the decision from the Vale of Glamorgan Council in relation to whether we have been successful in our bid to secure the lease here for another ten years. We're really sad to say that we haven't."
"We found out a week ago, and it's taken this long for it to start to land and for us to process what that means for us as business owners, as a tight team and for our community really. Obviously we're pretty devastated. We did our utmost to put in the best bid that we could offer, along with the best submission, having over ten years of experience here and making it a success. Making it a really unique and vibrant tourist attraction for visitors to Barry Island and our regulars."
"It's tough to swallow, We still have questions. We've been in touch with the Vale of Glamorgan Council to discuss the process used to make a decision and how we can appeal the decision. We don't know what the future holds, but I guess we'll just figure it out like we always have."
Bay 5 Coffee says they'll remain in the location through the Summer until October, when the successful tender applicant will take over.
Over 58,000 people have watched a video sharing the news, with hundreds of comments being received from local residents and business owners.
A petition created by Philippa Newman is calling on the Vale of Glamorgan Council to reverse the decision, with over 1,700 people already signing by Monday lunchtime.
On Monday afternoon, Vale of Glamorgan Council confirmed the news on its social media, stating the business has been "a real asset, playing a key role in the wider regeneration of the area by providing a warm and welcoming environment for residents and visitors to meet and socialise." thanking the business for the positive impact it had on the local community.
A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesperson said "As with all our commercial properties, leases are for a set time period and once these expire these are re-advertised and others are able to bid to run them."
"Bay 5’s bid to continue operating out of the old lifeguard building was unsuccessful."
"From the outset, the Council was clear that all tenders would be treated on their merits and assessed 40% on rental bid and 60% on what bidders would offer the wider community."
"We are extremely proud of Barry Island and the contribution made by all businesses and the wider community who help to make it such a popular destination."
"Bay 5’s bid showed how much they had to offer the resort. However, as well as enhancing the visitor experience, buildings and concessions let by the Council at its resorts must also help generate the money needed to maintain these locations."
"We will wait for the new operator to share their good news themselves, but are pleased to say it is another small local business already operating with a community focus in the Vale, and we look forward to welcoming them in the autumn."
"We hope extending Bay 5’s current contract to cover the summer holidays will give people many more chances to visit the café. We have a number of other commercial opportunities available and are happy to work with them to explore other options."
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