'Programme of remedial works' recommended for Eastbourne Bandstand, structural report finds

Engineers have confirmed core structural elements at the Bandstand ‘performed favourably and consistently’ during dynamic load testing in December 2025.

A report, published by Conscious Engineering Design in February 2026, found that the ‘structures of interest’ remain stable ‘with the capacity to support audience loads, for the time being’.

It reads: “Looking forward, in view of a conservation approach, I recommend a programme of remedial works is now proposed.

"This will not be a speedy process and involve a long-term programme of remedial works, repairs and restoration in sequenced phases measured in years, not months.

"If the venue is to be operational during each season over this period, phased works will need to be carefully planned and managed around events and to maintain safe public access, at times when the works are stopped.

“Until these works can be fully completed, temporary works must remain effective and be sequenced together with each work stage.”

Residents feared for the historic venue’s future last year after a previous report, conducted in February 2025, found structures in 'a critical state'. The independent report recommended the council seek ‘demolition or a managed programme of safe decline’.

A planning application, submitted by Eastbourne Borough Council, outlined proposed demolition of the Bandstand's upper and middle balcony, in addition to the seafront shelters. In a formal objection, the Twentieth Century Society – a national heritage body – said the proposals would ‘set a dangerous precedent for demolition of repair’.

Opposition leader Cllr Robert Smart (Conservative) said the new report ‘undermines earlier claims’ from the council that ‘demolishing the rear third of the structure was the only realistic way to keep future seasons running’.

Cllr Smart said: “Residents were repeatedly told by our council that large-scale demolition was the only pragmatic way to reopen the Bandstand and protect public safety.

"The council’s own engineers have now confirmed that the structures tested are performing robustly and remain capable of supporting audiences with the current propping in place. Demolishing a third of the Bandstand was never a precondition for a 2026 season.

“That is welcome news for everyone who loves this building, but it also proves that last year’s rush to irreversible demolition by the Liberal Democrat Administration was desperate, ill thought out and, on the evidence we now have, unnecessary.

"It took a statutory objection from the Twentieth Century Society, belated engagement with Historic England and sustained pressure from opposition councillors and local groups before the Administration stepped back and commissioned the testing that should always have come first.​

“We have long maintained our policy that a Conservative council would commit to fully restoring the Bandstand.

"We call on Eastbourne’s Liberal Democrats to publish the detailed long term plan for the Bandstand’s future that has been so conspicuously absent. Eastbourne needs a Bandstand that is open, safe and a clear guarantee that we will pass it on intact to the next generation.”

Cllr Jenny Williams, cabinet member for tourism and place services at Eastbourne Borough Council, said the authority is ‘focused on ensuring our Bandstand’s future’.

She said: “We know how much the Bandstand is loved, which is why we were determined, and promised to do everything possible to get the much-loved venue reopened this summer.

“I know that the news last week that the Bandstand will reopen for a full summer season was welcomed by residents and businesses alike.

“Our cross-party, cross community, Seafront Executive Board is committed to ensuring the seafront remains a jewel in the crown of our town.

“And we will shortly be asking residents and visitors to join our campaign to lobby for a share of the new £1.5bn of cultural funding, announced by central government to restore culturally important venues following years of under-funding by previous Conservative governments.

“With the support of the community we are focused on ensuring our Bandstand’s future and I would ask the Conservatives to play a constructive part in that process.”