Eastbourne Bandstand report finds structures in 'a critical state'

Earlier this year, Eastbourne Borough Council announced a £1.1 million investment into ‘essential works’ on the Bandstand.

Set to take place at the end of this year, the works will see the roof and supporting columns removed from both the south-facing shelters, opening it back up to the public, according to the authority.

Ahead of the works, an independent inspection of the Bandstand was commissioned by EBC to judge the structure’s safety for continued use by event organisers and the public.

The report, published by Conscious Engineering Design Ltd (CED), has recommended the council seek ‘demolition or a managed programme of safe decline’.

"Due to the extreme extent and depth of corrosion found in many of the primary structural members, I advise repairs and remedial works to restore integrity should be considered uneconomic at this stage, in light of the available resources,” the report reads.

"These structures are now considered to be in a critical state and dangerously weakened.

"Therefore, less costly options have been proposed for very short-term solutions to allow safe use for another season only.

"However, recommendations going forward, I see no alternative but to adopt a managed decline or demolition strategy for the most critical structures referred to in this report.”

Council leader Stephen Holt has assured the public ‘the Bandstand is safe’.

He said: “The report is detailed and technical, and it's important to clarify that it focuses on the structural colonnades —not the main Bandstand structure or stage area itself.

"These colonnades are currently supported by scaffolding as a precautionary measure, and the report supports the work we’re already undertaking to ensure safety.”

He added that the council ‘will continue investing in [the Bandstand’s] future’.