Council and partners 'fully committed' to Bandstand improvements and preservation
With plans to carry out urgent safety works at Eastbourne Bandstand currently under review, the Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council has confirmed the authority is 'fully committed' to finding the best way forward with partners to ensure the venue can reopen in time for the 2026 summer season.
Councillor Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said:
"We are fully committed to making sure the Bandstand is safe and ready to welcome residents and visitors next summer.
"It is a treasured landmark and we recognise the importance of conserving its historic character, which is why we won't deviate from working collaboratively with all partners to achieve that goal.
"And at a time when we don't receive any funding from government to preserve the Bandstand, we have still managed to earmark £1.2 million in the capital programme, including over £700,000 for this latest phase of work, and this all follows the millions we have spent previously."
Structural engineering reports highlight instability in two of the supporting shelters, which could worsen during the winter storms. Demonstrating a shared commitment to tackling these issues, Historic England and the council are exploring non-destructive load testing to ensure that the terraces and shelters can continue to be used safely while awaiting further works.
Alma Howell, Inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas at Historic England, said:
"Over the last decade, Historic England has worked closely with Eastbourne Borough Council on various sites, including the refurbished Grade 2* listed Congress Theatre, and recognises its strong commitment to maintain and develop its local heritage.
"We also note its funding commitment to the Bandstand and the complexity of working with an exposed coastal site.
"We want to work in partnership with the council once again to help deliver a long-term, heritage led solution and to look at developing a funding strategy that will keep the iconic Bandstand operating safely and entertaining many thousands of people for many years to come."
Conservation Architects, Ecotecture and Principal, Jo Saady, were selected for the Bandstand project. Jo Saady is a Specialist Advisor to the Conservation Advisory Group (CAG), a Design Consultee for the South Downs National Park (SDNP), and serves as both a Trustee and the South East Branch Chair of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC).
Jo Saady said:
"Safety works at Eastbourne Bandstand are essential to protect the public.
"The measures prioritise safety, minimise impact on the historic structure, and ensure the Bandstand's cultural significance and community use are preserved, while providing time to plan for its long-term conservation."
Frequently asked questions
Does the council fund repairs and maintenance at the Bandstand?
Yes. We have currently earmarked £1.2 million in the capital programme for investment in the Bandstand, including around £700,000 for this latest phase of work. This is in addition to the millions spent on the Bandstand over previous years to protect the future of the asset.
Do you receive any funding from the government for the preservation of the Bandstand?
No. Our bid to the previous government's Levelling Up Fund (Round Two) was unsuccessful, as was a separate application to the Heritage Development Trust (Architectural Heritage Fund).
We continue to lobby the government for financial support for the repair and maintenance of the Bandstand.
What work is being planned and why?
The Bandstand is a Grade II Listed structure built 90 years ago. Whilst the Bandstand stage itself has been significantly renovated by the council, the surrounding structures have a steel frame and, due to their location, these require extensive repairs after decades of impact from the sea and weather.
Structural engineering reports have highlighted instability in two of the supporting shelters, which could worsen during winter storms if not addressed.
Safety works are needed to address these structural issues, with the aim of reopening the Bandstand for the 2026 summer season.
Why haven't they started?
The Bandstand is a much-loved attraction in the town, and we wanted to schedule work during the winter months to avoid interruptions to the summer season when events are held. Following representations from partners, we have agreed to await further surveys before commencing works. We know the importance of the Bandstand, and want to make sure that all our partners are fully engaged and involved.
What are you doing to move the project forward?
Working in partnership with Historic England, we are undertaking some load testing on the shelters at the Bandstand over the coming weeks.
The results of the tests will inform the next steps and help in the development of a long‑term, heritage‑led funding strategy for the Bandstand.
Who is involved in the project?
Eastbourne Borough Council is working closely with Historic England, specialist conservation architects (Ecotecture), and structural engineers to balance public safety with long‑term preservation.
Alma Howell, Inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas at Historic England, said:
"Over the last decade, Historic England has worked closely with Eastbourne Borough Council on various sites, including the refurbished Grade 2* listed Congress Theatre, and recognises its strong commitment to maintain and develop its local heritage.
"We also note its funding commitment to the Bandstand and the complexity of working with an exposed coastal site.
"We want to work in partnership with the council once again to help deliver a long-term, heritage led solution and to look at developing a funding strategy that will keep the iconic Bandstand operating safely and entertaining many thousands of people for many years to come."
Our specialist architects, Ecotecture, were also advisers on the restoration of the Bandstand Stage.
What about the Environment Agency Flood Defence Works?
We have sought clarity and confirmation from the Environment Agency. Their response is reproduced in full below:
"The Environment Agency does not currently attract funding from HM Treasury, through the Flood Defence Grant in Aid funding stream, to protect Heritage assets from coastal flood and erosion. This has been the HMT Greenbook policy position for as long as I can recall.
"The Pevensey Bay to Eastbourne Phase 1 scheme is undertaking groyne improvement works directly adjacent to the Bandstand, which will afford this significant asset additional protection until 2037. However, as sea levels and storms increase with time, given the assets position partially on top of the current coastal flood defence, protecting this coastal heritage structure will become increasingly challenging.
"Without a significant partnership funding contribution from another source, or an HMT policy change, continuing to protect the bandstand post 2037 will not be possible via the Flood Defence Grant in Aid funding stream.
"The time is now to work to together to find a solution to this dilemma."
In order for the Bandstand to attract grant funding for a full restoration, we need to have assurances that the Bandstand will be protected past 2037. We continue to lobby the Environment Agency and are working with the Eastbourne MP, Josh Babarinde, to get these changes from HM Treasury.
Will the Bandstand's historic character be preserved?
Yes. All partners are committed to ensuring safety measures minimise impact on the historic structure while conserving its cultural significance.
Should works go ahead as previously announced, heritage assets which are required for removal will be re-used, or stored as part of future works. We have also committed, as part of the planning process, to develop a full Conservation Management Strategy.
Who are the conservation architects?
Ecotecture, led by Jo Saady, has been appointed. Jo is a specialist advisor to the Conservation Advisory Group, a design consultee for the South Downs National Park, and Chair of the South East Branch of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
Why is access restricted at present?
Public safety is always our number one priority.
Pedestrians can continue their route along the promenade by using either the ramp or the staircase that leads safely around the area.
We will continue to review accessibility options as conditions and operational requirements allow.
Temporary signage was installed providing guidance and to ensure a safe environment for everyone. This is now being upgraded. More permanent signage is being installed alongside the construction of the gabions, providing clear information for all promenade users.
When will the Bandstand reopen?
We are working hard with Historic England and all our other specialist advisers to have the Bandstand safe and ready to welcome residents and visitors for the 2026 summer season.
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