Council applies for planning permission to demolish Bandstand colonnades

We have now been told by the experts in their field, that the colonnades are beyond economic repair and cannot be saved.

Initially we were disappointed by this decision, but should we be thinking of the removal of the covered areas as the end, or the start of restoration of these areas? Is this the opportunity to give the whole area a new lease of life, and opportunity for much improved and new covered areas and food and drink outlets? Phase one of the Bandstand restoration was the stage, phase two must now be the restoration of the covered areas.

The new build does not have to be a replica of what was there before, it must of course compliment and respect the art deco style but it can be something new and exciting which sets the scene for a positive and successful future and which meets the needs and expectations of the present day.

The submission of the Officers report to the Planning committee has raised significant concern that there has been no consideration for the replacement of the covered areas.

We are therefore urging the Council to put in place a conservation strategy with costed development options for the Bandstand, and to be put in place immediately.

We are urging the Council to commission, as a matter of urgency design work, to consult with stakeholders and the public about what we want. We have always had a vision for the Bandstand, and an essential part of the plan must be to bring back into use the semi circular two-level colonnade that sweeps around the performance area.

This design and planning work must start immediately because there is no chance of major grants being awarded for Bandstand restoration until we can demonstrate that we have a clear vision and a plan of action, that has the support of local residents. We do not want the Bandstand to continue to be boarded up and out of action for another season.

In conclusion, we want our Bandstand to be fully restored and see this as an opportunity to start the next phase of restoration.

Eastbourne Borough Council have applied for planning permission to demolish the covered areas on the ground and middle tier of the Bandstand.

This has come as a shock to many as the Friends of Eastbourne Bandstand have campaigned long and hard for restoration of the Bandstand. When we were told five months ago that the colonnades supporting the covered areas were beyond repair, dangerous and had to be boarded up, but we continued to argue that they should be saved. At this point demolition was not a given as restoration was being explored. It then became apparent to us that restoration was not going to be possible due to the dereliction of the supporting columns and roof beams.

We had a number of meetings including a site visit with the Council appointed Architect and when our Welcome and Gardening Teams were taken on a tour of the Bandstand with the seafront Manager we all saw the terrible state, following many years of neglect the colonnades, (hidden behind blue hoarding), are in.

Eastbourne Redoubt to reopen

The Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council has announced the launch of a new series of free guided talks at the iconic Redoubt Fortress.The initiative is part of the council’s wider seafront strategy, which aims to revitalise and celebrate Eastbourne’s unique coastal assets.The sessions will offer residents and visitors the chance to explore the rich heritage of the Redoubt, from its Napoleonic origins to its role in shaping Eastbourne’s coastal identity.

Councillor Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said:
“The Redoubt Fortress is a cornerstone of Eastbourne’s history, and I've been determined this year to ensure that we can provide some guided talks to allow residents and visitors the opportunity to see the Redoubt for themselves.
"This is exactly the kind of project our seafront strategy is designed to support, bringing heritage to life while enhancing the visitor experience along our beautiful coastline."
During the guided talks, visitors will learn what life was like for those who manned the battlements, armed the guns and protected the coastline. The experienced guide and speaker will weave the stories of those who called the Napoleonic Fort home, walking in their footsteps along the gun platform, and discussing how we can continue to preserve this historic building.
The guided talks will take place on August 16, 17, 20 and 26, and on September 2 and 16, with the final talk coinciding with World Heritage Day.
Councillor Jenny Williams, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Place, added:
“Whether you’re a history buff, a curious resident, or a first-time visitor, the Redoubt’s guided talks promise to be a captivating journey into a bygone age. We want to see the Redoubt fully reopened, through the seafront strategy and by working with other partners. This is your opportunity to see the site as it currently is, and work with us to create a vision for its future"

The Famous Eastbourne Carpet Gardens are getting a Face-Lift!

The old carpet gardens have now been re-planted with anew scheme that will, in time, reflect the undulations of the sea. This makeover has been somewhat controversial as the beautiful carpet gardens that once was a main attraction in Eastbourne has now gone forever and replaced with sustainable plants that will require less maintenance. It is likely to take some time, possibly years, for the new gardens to reach fruition so we will just have to wait and see. If you click the link HERE you can see a short video of Peter Thurman describing the Project so far.

ITV News comes to Eastbourne over Public Toilets Closure!

ITV News sent a Reporter and Camera crew to Eastbourne recently to interview Gaynor (of FOES) and Cllr. Holt (LibDem Leader of the Council) over the proposal to close all Public Toilets in Eastbourne.

Seafront Toilets re-open with cashless payment

Seafront Toilets re-open but you now have to pay. On June 23rd the refurbished toilets at Holywell, Bandstand and the Pier reopened but now with cashless payment. It is now £1 per visit. Some have welcomed the reopened facilities but many have berated the council for charging. The charges are primarily there to meet some of the costs of maintaining the toilets and to combat vandalism. Those who prefer not to pay can make use of the Community Toilet Scheme whereby some cafe's and restaurants are willing to allow non-patrons use of their facilities for free.

A BIG Thank You to Jimmy Keeler of Mr Gifts Emporium

Wow! Thank you Mr Gifts Emporium!

Jimmy Keeley owner of the wonderful Mr Gifts

Has been donating money to good causes from the sale of carrier bags since the compulsory carrier bag charges for single use bags came into effect in May 2021. Jimmy said most people now shop with their own bags but since 2021 has sold nearly 12,000 bags which equates to nearly £1000 exc VAT for good causes.

Recently Jimmy donated an amazing £500 to Friends of Eastbourne Seafront. Other beneficiaries have been Bhassexplore, WRAS and Save Eastbourne Bandstand .

We thank you very much Jimmy, your support means we continue with our Gardening Team and Welcome Team. Thank you for your generosity and support.