A NEW owner will take over The Quay in Musselburgh to make it even “bigger and better”, with new investment and ideas.

That’s the hope of the current operators, after the restaurant and leisure complex was put up for sale, with the freehold available through specialist business property adviser Christie & Co for £1.365m.

But bosses said it was business as usual until the right buyer could be found.

In a letter to some customers and suppliers, the three directors and one shareholder of Quay Complex Ltd, including Jas Gill, whose dad Charan is the landlord, said: “After 11 happy years at The Quay, serving the people of East Lothian and helping to organise hundreds of wedding parties and conferences, we have decided that The Quay needs new ideas, new investment and new ownership to take it to the next level.

“We have therefore decided to look for a new owner who would take over the reins and not just continue to operate the business but make it even bigger and better.

“Finding a buyer for The Quay will take many months, perhaps even a year, and we are in no rush; the important thing for us would be to find the right people who have money to invest and will protect and improve jobs as well as the facilities at The Quay.

“In the meantime, it is business as usual and we wish to stress that all bookings for weddings and parties will not be affected.

“We will continue to work hard and take new bookings because we know that any new buyer will want to know that they are taking on a viable business with lots of future bookings.”

The site currently has the Frisco Bay restaurant, a bar, a diner, a leisure centre with a swimming pool and gym, and several function spaces which cater for a range of events such as weddings.

Planning permission has been granted for the provision of 28 en suite letting bedrooms to replace the existing leisure facilities, which provides a new owner with the potential to redevelop the site.

Stuart Drysdale, associate director at Christie & Co, said: “This is a great opportunity for someone new to enhance this established venue in Musselburgh and potentially bring something new to the local and wider community.

“The addition of bedrooms to the venue would escalate the business’s capability to cater for weddings and conferences, although it currently trades successfully as it stands. With its diverse range of uses, we expect a lot of interest from a range of buyers.”

Local councillors and the president of the Rotary Club of Musselburgh were united in their praise for The Quay and expressed hope that any future owner would continue to provide the services it has for the people of Musselburgh.

Councillor Fraser McAllister, a member for Musselburgh West, said: “Beyond containing a notable restaurant, The Quay provides a very popular venue for weddings, funerals, anniversaries, parties and all manner of receptions. The five-star location adds to any sense of occasion and I’m sure many visitors to The Quay who do not know Fisherrow and Musselburgh are amazed to find a classic-shaped beach, bustling harbour and attractive promenade so close to the Capital.

“I hope the new owners continue the traditions of the previous ones and would especially like them to begin a pavement cafe on the actual quayside during summer months, much like at Portobello and North Berwick.”

Councillor John Williamson, Musselburgh West, added: “The Quay has been a well-used venue ever since it opened. Many locals will have attended weddings, social and other events there over the years and will have fond memories of the place. It is in an enviable location right next to the Back Sands and with Fisherrow Harbour the perfect backdrop for wedding photos. I hope that if sold The Quay will continue to provide the services it has to the people of Musselburgh and beyond for many years to come.”

Councillor John Caldwell, Musselburgh East and Carberry, added: “The Quay under the ownership of Charan Gill has been a popular hub for both locals and visitors, the venue where many local couples have tied the knot.

“It’s health centre has proved very popular with locals who have taken up membership. It is a popular eating place catering for all and has hosted many men’s dinners, along with lots of entertaining dances and events.

“I hope the new owners continues with that trend with similar services.”

Neil Wilson, president of the Rotary club, which meets at The Quay, said: “The Quay is an excellent facility. I know the talk of bedrooms has always worried some people but, at the end of the day, Musselburgh lacks a hotel, with really the Ravelston being the only hotel in and around the town offering hotel accommodation. New owners with fresh ideas and money to invest might not be a bad thing.

“I only hope from a Rotary perspective that the new owners, when found, are as accommodating as Charan has been over the years. Charan and his team have always been supportive and indeed last year the Riding of the Marches. I wish them good luck in finding a buyer.”

Entrepreneur Charan Gill MBE bought the complex from the Fisherrow and Musselburgh Co-operative Society for £1.3 million in 2007 and has spent considerable sums upgrading and modernising the premises.