Pavilion handed over to charitable trust

At midnight on Monday, new coordinators of the Grade 1 listed building were welcomed into their role by those who have pushed the Pavilion to this point.

The De La Warr Pavilion Charitable Trust invited dozens of local dignitaries to a champagne reception to mark the occasion.

Copies of a souvenir front page produced by the Observer were handed out to guests.

But Trust chairman Dr Richard Sykes was keen to describe the move as growth, not a transition or handover and a "firm foundation for moving forward".

The Trust will guide the pavilion through refurbishment before emerging as a revitalised "linchpin in the heart of regeneration of Bexhill and the area", said Dr Sykes.

It will manage the pavilion in its soon-to-be realised status of arts centre of the South East, with the 6million Arts Council England and Heritage Lottery funding ringing the changes.

The De La Warr will now be supported by a new partnership between the Trust, Rother District Council and Arts Council England, while the Trust is the main body for decision managing the programme and building use.