Eastbourne's former TJ Hughes building is being marketed for lease again

The site is available to let either as a whole building or split on a floor-by-floor basis.

Eightfold Property, alongside joint agents Bree Prenton Property Consultants and SHW Property, are marketing the landmark building, which is on the junction with Seaside Road, quoting rents from around £73,000 per annum (approx. £6,083 per month) depending on the scale of the space required.

Spanning five levels, it was built in 1925 originally for Dale & Kerley's drapery, later operating as a department store under House of Fraser and most recently as TJ Hughes until May 2019.

In 2021 a plan to demolish the building and replace it with a modern block of shops and flats sparked a public outcry. The Eastbourne Society said it was ‘appalled’, describing it as ‘nothing short of vandalism’, and thousands signed a petition objecting to the plan.

Then in 2024, developers received planning permission for a different application, first submitted in 2022.

The approved plan kept the original facade but would see the historic building be redeveloped into 65 flats above a 560sqm retail unit on the ground floor.

However work never began, and planning approval for the project is due to expire shortly.

The ground floor of the building has been leased out before, to local charity Living Life Eastbourne.

Now the site is described as being suitable ‘for a variety of uses’.

The estate agents say: “The property has expansive, predominately open plan spaces on all floors throughout the building and could be (subject to planning) suitable for a variety of uses including retail, gym, hotel, offices, leisure or education.”

It also stresses the town’s status as ‘a major south coast destination’.

They write: “Eastbourne continues to grow as a major South Coast destination, supported by ongoing investment in culture, tourism, public realm and infrastructure. Excellent transport connections, strong year‑round demographics and proximity to the town’s busiest pedestrian routes make this an ideal position for operators seeking prominence, accessibility and sustained customer engagement.”