Major refurbishment works on Bexhill's De La Warr Pavilion start

The venue is carrying out a phased internal and external work.

The proposals were first unveiled in April 2025 when the pavilion asked for public feedback on the scheme.

The project's funding comes from the Levelling Up Fund, which awarded RDC a grant in 2023.

Central government allocated almost £20m toward revamping of the pavilion and creating a community hub in Sidley.

A spokesperson for the De La Warr Pavilion said: “The De La Warr Pavilion in its 90th year is showing its age physically and environmentally. The building’s fabric is deteriorating and both structural and operational deficits need addressing urgently.

“The building has badly insulated external walls and leaking roofs, with poor levels of airtightness due to many of the metal-framed, single-glazed windows showing signs or corrosion and cracking. These issues will be resolved through this major transformation project, designed by multi prize-winning architects Haworth Tompkins in consultation with our local communities.

“The first appointed contractors on site will be RTB roofing, working to improve the pavilion’s environmental sustainability by fixing the main foyer flat roof so that it is watertight and insulated, ensuring the inside of the building is warmer and more comfortable for visitors and ready for improvements to heating and airtightness that will come with the later works. Key preparatory works will also be carried out on the auditorium roof ahead of the installation of solar photovoltaics later in the year.”

Other work will restore the north and south staircase glazing, and the repair of the auditorium piano lift which has been out of service for three years.

The spokesperson added: “New permanent seating is currently being crafted by Audience Systems. Supporters can donate through the Your Seat In History campaign to help fund the building project, have their name engraved on chair plaques in the auditorium and become part of the pavilion’s story.

“All areas of the pavilion will remain open throughout 2026. Some scaffolding will be in place and certain routes through the building will be temporarily adjusted.

“This project is made possible through De La Warr Pavilion’s partnership with Rother District Council and the generous support of the UK Government, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Wolfson Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, The Chalk Cliff Trust, Foyle Foundation, and Suzy Eddie Izzard.”

Stewart Drew, the pavilion’s CEO and director, said: “This marks an important step towards our goal of reducing energy use and cutting costs in line with wider Net Zero ambitions.

“Alongside these works, new auditorium seating is on its way, and the return of a fully operational piano lift will significantly improve how we work behind the scenes – moving towards the start of Phase 1 of our masterplan project to reimagine this special place for the next century.

“This transformative project will create new learning and community spaces, improve accessibility, support sustainability and secure the pavilion’s purpose as a creative and cultural home for all.

“While there will be some changes around the building during this period, we’re delivering a bumper programme of events, exhibitions, gigs, screenings and special days for our community this year, including Bexhill’s Big Summer Sounds, a festival that sees the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra take over the De La Warr Pavilion, alongside a major outdoor programme across the pavilion’s terrace and lawns.”