Historic Eastbourne landmark gets £1.6m investment

The Grade 2-listed Victorian pavilion is one of 34 projects which will receive funding from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership’s £85 million share of the government’s new Getting Building Fund – announced this week.

It will mean the council-run building will be restored to its former glory as, according to Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell, ‘a cultural destination of regional importance that supports and enhances Eastbourne’s year-round visitor economy’.

She said the project – set to generate an additional £1 million uplift to the local economy – is vital to Eastbourne’s post-COVID economic recovery and that the project will create 50 new jobs and safeguard a further 10, as well as creating 53 construction jobs.

Mrs Ansell said, “This £1.6 million government grant for the Winter Garden is a vital part of the plan for the Devonshire Quarter and will go a long way to put Eastbourne on the map as a top cultural destination along the south coast.

“As we look to overcome the present challenges, the government’s investment in our economy now is crucial to save local livelihoods and jobs in our renowned hospitality sector. This is an exciting project and significant to the town’s heritage.”

The government’s new £900 million Getting Building Fund has been created to invest in local infrastructure projects to drive economic growth in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. With an £85 million share, SELEP successfully secured the largest allocation for any LEP area in the UK.

In mid-July, SELEP directors met to review and narrow down the previously submitted longlist by focusing on projects that can progress quickly but will also stimulate and better integrate economies in some of the most economically impacted and COVID-affected parts of the south east. A total of £11,179,793 has been secured for projects across East Sussex.

SELEP chair Christian Brodie said, “We are delighted that government has recognised the excellent projects and potential that the south east has to drive forward our economy at this challenging time. These projects have been carefully selected to target those areas and industries particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 and those that can progress, at pace, to support economic recovery.

“The South East LEP has a proven track record of delivering successful projects and has been working really closely with our local areas to understand what our businesses need and where investment will have significant impact.

“We truly believe the south east will help lead the country out of the crisis and into recovery. The Getting Building Fund provides the next phase of financial stimulus to restart our economy.”

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