Eastbourne: New survey into controversial Carpet Gardens launched

The Victorian-style gardens underwent a renovation last year, trialling a ‘sustainable planting showcase’.

The new scheme focused on plants that could withstand seafront conditions year-round and support wildlife, according to Eastbourne Borough Council (EBC).

While the traditional display ‘provided an attractive display every spring and summer’, EBC said it meant plants had to be imported and re-planted twice a year in ‘a costly and wasteful approach’.

Reactions have been mixed amongst locals – and a new survey, run independently from the council, has been launched to get public opinion.

One resident who has been particularly vocal about the new Carpet Gardens is Katerina Tutt, owner of Qualisea in Terminus Road.

Mrs Tutt launched a campaign to ‘reinstate the beautiful carpet gardens to their former glory’ in March.

Following discussions with EBC, she will be working with the authority to distribute the new survey.

Mrs Tutt said: “The first thing [customers] are saying to us when entering the restaurant is, ‘what on Earth has gone on?’.

"The Carpet Gardens were a landmark.

“I've had stories from people telling me that their parents got engaged there.

"People have said that their parents have dementia, but they would wheel them past and it gave them so much joy.

"And I just think [the council] has underestimated how big a deal the Carpet Gardens are for Eastbourne."

Councillor Jim Murray, Cabinet Member for Carbon Neutral 2030, said: “The Carpet Gardens are one of Eastbourne’s most well‑loved spaces, and we know people feel strongly about how they should look.

"This survey is an important opportunity for residents, visitors and local businesses to tell us what they think, having seen both styles of planting on display, and now the sustainable planting has started to bed in.

“The sustainable planting is designed to be more resilient, better for wildlife and more appropriate for the changing climate, but we fully recognise the affection many people have for the traditional bedding displays.

"The views we receive through this survey will help determine what happens next, so I would really encourage people to take part.”

The new survey can be completed online and on paper.

Physical copies are available from the Seafront Office beside the Bandstand, Eastbourne Borough Council offices at 1 Grove Road, and Qualisea in Terminus Road.

For more information and frequently asked questions, visit: lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/carpet-gardens.