Millions need to be spent on popular Eastbourne landmark

Up to £8 million may need to be spent on Eastbourne Bandstand in the coming years but some £3 million is being earmarked to address the most urgent works.

Temporary repairs will get underway soon ahead of the 2020 season at the venue, which attracts tens of thousands of people to concerts and tribute nights.

Council officials and conservationists say that without the investment in the Bandstand, the venue will have to close for health and safety reasons.

A spokesperson at the authority said, “The Bandstand was built in the 1930s and is a popular attraction both for visitors and residents, with well over 50,000 people attending performances throughout the open season.

“The property is in an exposed location on Eastbourne seafront and therefore is subject to the worst of the weather, which has taken a toll on its condition. Phase 1 works were undertaken some years ago to replace the roof of the Bandstand, but recent high storms have meant that a further phase of repairs is now required.

“Work has been undertaken to establish the level of need using known survey information which outlined worst scenario repairs costing around £8 million.

“Further intrusive investigations have been undertaken in order to refine need and costing information for Phase 2 works and it is estimated a budget of £3 million will be required in order to address the most urgent works.

“Initial works are anticipated to focus on improving the water-tightness of the Bandstand itself and replacing the stage, as well as replacing tiling and cladding and repairs to both the Bandstand and promenade area within its curtilage.”

A decision on whether to approve the £3 million be released from the council’s capital programme to pay for the work will be made at the council’s cabinet committee next Monday.

Plans to include a ‘heritage contribution’ on top of the ticket price for events at the Bandstand have already been approved by the council.