Major internal works on Bexhill's De La Warr Pavilion to be carried out

Specialist heritage contractor Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) will refurbish the pavilion's staircase glazing to help preserve the Grade I listed Modernist building.

The DLWP opened in 1935 and was designed by architects Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff.

A DLWP spokesperson said the work is part of a project, called An Icon For Everyone, in partnership with Rother District Council and Haworth Tompkins architects.

They said the north and south staircases are in disrepair, with cracks in the curved glass windows expanding with every storm and many of the original metal-framed, single-glazed windows show signs of corrosion and cracking, resulting in poor airtightness.

The spokesperson said: “ASWS is undertaking the refurbishment of both bowed-plan staircase steel frame windows. The windows will be carefully removed and transported to ASWS's Surrey workshop for repair and restoration alongside the installation of new steel ring beams, curved metal beading and new glazing.

“A phased programme of works has been carefully planned to ensure that the Pavilion remains open throughout this restoration, which is due to be completed in November 2026.”

The café and first floor will remain open during the staircase works and will be fully accessible via the lift and the north stairs, they added.

Stewart Drew, CEO and director, De La Warr Pavilion, said: “From local residents to visitors from across the world, people are often drawn to the De La Warr Pavilion’s distinctive modernist staircases. However, decades of use and exposure to the harsh coastal environment have led to deterioration, including cracked glazing and ageing materials.

“We are delighted to be working with specialist steel window experts, ASWS, to restore and upgrade the staircase glazing. These improvements will not only enhance the visitor experience and preserve an iconic element of the pavilion’s modernist design, but also improve the building’s performance, increase its long-term resilience and reduce its operational environmental impact.

“This work will help ensure the pavilion remains open, welcoming and accessible for our communities and future generations to enjoy.”

Kris Bennell, operations director at ASWS, said: “Our proposed works, that have been curated alongside Haworth Tompkins and EOC, are precisely what these two beautiful window systems need. The scope should bring the pavilion into the modern era and protect it for future generations to enjoy whilst maintaining the fantastic historic systems.

“We are extremely excited to get the project started and to work alongside our sub-contractors, the De La Warr Pavilion project team and Rother District Council to deliver a fantastic project to help maintain this celebrated and legendary modernist building.”

The DLWP is seeking donations and sponsorship to help support the costs of the glazing renovation. Contact Jessica Cheetham at [email protected].