A DERELICT seafront building could be transformed into a thriving Rick Stein-style seafood restaurant by July.

Heath Hardy and Gemma Stacey, of successful eatery The Cove in Birnbeck Road, have won the contract to run the former Waves outlet on Weston’s seafront.

The pair hope that building work will begin on the new restaurant, to be called Covefish, by April and that it will be open three months later.

Heath said: “We are very excited to have won the tendering process for the former Waves building and to be working once more with architect Christopher Coombs, to deliver a sympathetic refurbishment of this important seafront building.

“The conversion will feature full-height sliding doors to bring the outside in.

“The glazing overlooking the bay will be designed to optimise the stunning views enjoyed by diners, while keeping the original character of the building.

“The style will be casual, in keeping with its location, and the restaurant will serve seafood, as well as chips, following in the footsteps of high-profile chefs such as Rick Stein who have identified the great British love for fish and chips, made using the finest ingredients, in modern surroundings.”

The menu is set to feature all the classics like fish in beer batter, homemade fishcakes and mushy peas, but diners will also be able to choose fish such as monkfish simply grilled or whole lobster and a bottle of dry white wine.

The Cove was refurbished four years ago when it was derelict and Heath and Gemma created one of Weston’s top restaurants, being awarded the town’s first AA rosette and included in the Michelin guide.

North Somerset Council revealed last year how they had been granted the lease for Waves after the businessmen due to transform the building pulled out of the deal.

The 30-year lease for the property received six tenders and now Cove Catering and Leisure Ltd is set submit a planning application in the very near future.