Eastbourne Pier owner again expresses interest in Bandstand following failed Levelling Up bid

Eastbourne Borough Council (EBC) leader David Tutt has called on the government to ‘urgently rethink’ its decision as it was hoped that money from a successful bid could have gone towards the Bandstand.

Back in April, pier owner Sheikh Abid Gulzar announced he wanted to add a heart-shaped pier onto the Bandstand where businesses could operate.

Mr Gulzar now says he wants to make the Bandstand ‘completely free of charge’.

He added: "There were too many old people standing outside and just listening, they can't afford to go in.”

Mr Gulzar said he especially wants to do this for the older residents.

He explained: "They have done their job, they have paid their money, they have paid their taxes and we must give them love and affection and make them feel that the Bandstand belongs to them.”

He also wants to make the Bandstand’s roof gold.

Mr Gulzar explained: "I can renovate and improve it, do all the things [needed] and will see how much they [EBC] support me. But if they give me a lease for 10 years I am not interested.”

Mr Gulzar said he wants ‘100 per cent’ ownership of the Bandstand.

Friends of Eastbourne Seafront chair Gaynor Sedgwick said the group would like the Bandstand to remain in public ownership.

She added: “EBC has started work on the Bandstand and we hope that as promised it will reopen again in April. We have asked EBC to ensure that further funding for ongoing repairs and maintenance is included in their budget.

“EBC do offer free entry to some of the entertainment and whilst we encourage that, the Bandstand is a commercial enterprise and it would not be financially viable to offer free entertainment for all, which would be a cost to the taxpayer and not provide the funds for ongoing repairs.

"The cost of a Bandstand ticket is very reasonable and in our experience has never been an issue.”

EBC said it has committed £750,000 to repairs and maintenance which will see the Bandstand reopen in April.