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Bexhill-on-Sea

Connecting a cultural icon with its surroundings by tackling the disjointed relationship between the De La Warr Pavilion, sea-front, town centre and other amenities.

The Grade I listed De La Warr Pavilion was refurbished in 2005

The Grade I listed De La Warr Pavilion was refurbished in 2005. Copyright Gareth Gardner

The south coast resort of Bexhill-on-Sea is a tale of two very different architectural styles: extravagant Edwardian and the cool lines of classic modernism. This rare example of an Edwardian planned seaside resort features the iconic Modernist De La Warr Pavilion, which was refurbished in 2005 to create a contemporary arts venue with national appeal.

Yet while the Pavilion received a facelift, it remains disconnected from its surroundings of the seafront and town centre. Low walls, traffic islands and paths which head in illogical directions all conspire to prevent visitors to the Pavilion from making it to the beach or town centre shops. The benefits of refurbishing the Pavilion are considered to require being fully shared with the wider resort.

The ‘Next Wave’ project, which is being part-funded by Sea Change, aims to dramatically improve the setting of the Pavilion and adjacent Promenade, with a raft of measures including shared traffic/pedestrian spaces, new seafront shelters and hard landscaping. The project will also create a series of outdoor ‘rooms’ for a mix of cultural events, helping to enhance Bexhill’s appeal to residents and visitors alike.

Find out more about the resort background, regeneration context, project description and delivery.

What we love about this project

  • contemporary culture can deliver major economic and social regeneration benefits
  • the seaside is a great place for outdoor cultural events and activities.
  • a cultural attraction shouldn’t be seen in isolation, if it is to maximise its potential as an agent of regeneration
  • ease of physical access is a vital consideration if a cultural attraction is to succeed.

What people say about this project

“For the De La Warr Pavilion, the Sea Change initiative has stimulated a creative dialogue with Rother District Council about the future of Bexhill’s seafront as a democratic space for people to extend their cultural experience. And, through quality design, to make Bexhill ‘Somewhere’’ as opposed to ‘Anywhere’-on-Sea.”
Alan Haydon, Director, De La Warr Pavilion

“We are very fortunate to have this international cultural asset in the town. The opportunity to upgrade its environs to a befitting standard will really heighten the role it can play in Bexhill.”
Diane Russell, Design and Conservation Officer, Rother District Council

“It’s important to think about tomorrow, rather than yesterday. And not what you are doing to a building, but what you are doing in it.”
Alan Haydon, Director, De La Warr Pavilion