A DELAY in starting Weymouth’s pavilion and ferry terminal redevelopment has opened the door to a new venture.

The café on the Pleasure Pier has reopened as The Seahorse on the Pier, serving teas and cakes – and showcasing art.

A film made by Weymouth artist Ed Jones about a seahorse colony near the pier that would have to be moved to make way for the redevelopment inspired the café’s name.

Businessman Chris Steadman, who has the café on a short lease from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, has invited Ed and other artists to display their work inside.

The café would otherwise be standing derelict and Mr Steadman, who has refurbishing it and created 10 jobs, is delighted to be opening the doors again.

Ed Jones and Bridport artist Nigel Slight created a video and sculpture installation for the café’s official opening.

The Pavilion redevelopment is on hold after Howard Holdings failed to submit a planning application and the council was forced to take legal action. Howard’s funding partner Europa Capital has until the end of July to step in and take over.

Mr Steadman said he was mindful the redevelopment might still happen and thanked the council for offering the lease while discussions were ongoing.

He also paid tribute to the previous café owner Sandy Hawkins who ran it as the Cactus Tea Rooms and built up a successful business.

She closed it last year as it was presumed the redevelopment was going ahead and set up a new venture in town.

Mr Steadman said: “When the Howard Holdings scheme fell through I approached the council and asked to take on the café for the year because I felt it was an important part of Weymouth.

“It would’ve been boarded up for the summer and become an eyesore.”

Mr Steadman added: “I’ve got it until October then I’m going to see what happens.

“I’m obviously respectful of the situation with the development but I’d like to keep the café for a longer period and would be prepared to make a further investment.

“There’s an empty room downstairs which I’d like to turn into an art gallery.

“It would be nice to think there would be room in any future development for the café.”