A PROPERTY expert based in Newport has taken over the accommodation above what was Sommerins at Penarth esplanade.

Ben Brand, who started his StayBC Serviced Accommodation in 2018, is taking on the management of the nine apartments owned by Richard Hayward.

Mr Brand is confident he can attract people to the accommodation, which he believes has not yet realised its full potential.

He said: “It’s something we were really interested in because we noticed Penarth seafront has been busy, even during this pandemic.

“We don’t believe there is a lot of high-end accommodation here, and there is a lot of potential for that sort of thing.

“It’s our first venture in Penarth, but it’s perfect distance from Cardiff, and it was too good an opportunity to let pass by.”

Mr Brand will not be taking over the restaurant downstairs, but says he will be working closely with the restaurant to cater for those using the accommodation.

Despite three lockdowns hitting the hospitality and leisure sectors hard, Mr Brand says the business has managed to “weather a few storms”.

He hopes to open soon to key workers with a legitimate reason to travel, and says he will be taking on five or six new employees as soon as possible.