Council strategy to drive Eastbourne's growth over next decade

The Eastbourne Economic Strategy and Action Plan (2025-2035), jointly commissioned with the Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board, outlines a strategic direction for cementing Eastbourne as a distinctive and outstanding coastal town where people are proud to live, inspired to work, and drawn to visit.

Councillor Stephen Holt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said: "This strategy is a watershed moment for Eastbourne.

"We are committed to this robust ten-year plan that targets the high-value, sustainable jobs our town needs to realise its full potential. It's about building an economy that provides genuine opportunity for our young people and supports existing businesses to grow and innovate locally."

Key interventions include accelerating diversification by targeting higher-value, high-growth sectors where Eastbourne has a competitive edge. This includes supporting innovation in the health and care sector, developing the borough into a creative and digital hub, and raising the profile of advanced engineering. The plan also commits to increasing the value of the visitor economy and strengthening the economic and social potential of local leisure and sporting facilities, in alignment with the new Seafront Strategy, developed to respond to the specific needs of Eastbourne's seafront.

A crucial focus of the strategy is on inclusive growth, centred around Community Wealth Building - a model designed to redirect wealth back into the local economy. This involves developing local supply chains, encouraging local enterprise, and making sure that economic benefits are distributed more widely to tackle local poverty and inequality. Additionally, the strategy aims to ensure that all residents have access to the learning, skills, and work necessary to empower them to thrive in the modern economy.

Importantly, the strategy also prioritises developing a vibrant town centre and supporting retail hubs outside the main commercial area to increase footfall and local accessibility.

Councillor Jenny Williams, Cabinet Member for Tourism and Place, said: "The dual focus on economic strength and community wealth is crucial. We must ensure our growth is inclusive and resilient. By working hand-in-hand with Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board, this action plan will invest in local skills, revitalise our public spaces, and ensure that wealth created in Eastbourne stays in Eastbourne, providing a better quality of life for people in the town."

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