New protections secured for Eastbourne Pier to help safeguard its future
Eastbourne Pier has been formally registered as an Asset of Community Value.
The campaign was launched in June by Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde after concerns were raised earlier this year about the future of the iconic landmark.
Mr Babarinde, who raised the issue in the House of Commons, approached local community group, Friends of Eastbourne Seafront, to put forward the application and supported them to draft it.
The designation provides an additional safeguard for the future of one of the town’s most recognisable attractions.
An Asset of Community Value is a building or piece of land recognised as being of importance to the social, cultural, recreational or economic well-being of a local community.
Registering an asset of community value allows eligible community groups to prepare a bid and raise funds to purchase it if the owner decides to put it up for sale. It can therefore give the local community more time and an opportunity to safeguard a local asset.
In a statement following the announcement, Mr Babarinde said: “I’m delighted that Eastbourne Pier has been declared an Asset of Community Value.
“I want to thank Friends of Eastbourne Seafront, particularly Gaynor and Mark, for their collaboration in putting forward this application and commitment to safeguarding our Pier.
“This is an important step in protecting the future of one of Eastbourne’s most iconic landmarks, but there is more work to do”.
In a statement, Gaynor Sedwick from Friends of Eastbourne Seafront said: “Friends of Eastbourne Seafront know how important Eastbourne Pier is to our community.
“Its importance should not be understated; it is not only important as a heritage building of architectural importance, it is a tourist attraction, offering entertainment and independent businesses and much loved by residents and visitors.
“It’s important to put safeguards in place to make sure the whole town is kept informed of what is happening.
“Friends of Eastbourne Seafront have no intention of buying the Pier if the current owner chooses to sell it one day, however if the Pier becomes an asset of community value there will be time for a suitable buyer to be found.
“The important thing is that the Pier remains open and investment in it continues. We thank Josh Babarinde MP for supporting our application as did Eastbourne Pier’s Executive Team.”