SPOTLIGHT: Sovereign Harbour retirement flats approved at third attempt
Huw Oxburgh, BBC-funded Local Democrary Reporter Rebecca Maer, Eastbourne Reporter Controversial proposals to build a six-storey retirement living complex in Eastbourne on the waterfront have been approved by councillors. Eastbourne Borough Council’s planning committee last night granted permission to build 126 “apartments for older people” on land to the east of Martinique Way in Sovereign […]
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SPOTLIGHT: Planned spending cuts target leisure, parks and public toilets
By Rebecca Maer More details have emerged of drastic spending cuts planned in Eastbourne to save £2.2 million to cover the costs of homelessness. The cuts will affect many aspects of life ranging from finding an outside operator for the town’s theatres and rationalising swimming pools to increasing parking charges and not weeding pavements. Savings […]
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SPOTLIGHT: The revival of the Royal Hippodrome in Eastbourne
Gary Murray’s piece chronicles the Royal Hippodrome in Eastbourne, highlighting its survival through historic threats and restoration efforts. From its grand opening in 1883 to recent refurbishments, the theatre has hosted notable acts and faced scandals. Today, it thrives with diverse performances and community involvement, reliant on volunteer support and donations.
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SPOTLIGHT: Extensive cuts to culture and leisure likely in bid to save £2.7 million
By Rebecca Maer Drastic cuts are set to be made to cultural life and leisure in Eastbourne. Eastbourne Borough Council is considering cutting funding for the Towner gallery (above), closing the Beachy Head heritage centre, changing how the theatres operate and selling assets. A second round of cuts later this year may also see changes […]
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SPOTLIGHT: The Channel swimmer who battled to reach the French coast
Craig Kircher, a 49-year-old electrician, successfully swam across the English Channel to France in 14 hours, overcoming a migraine and challenging currents. His intense training and mental resilience enabled him to achieve what fewer than 2,000 people worldwide have done, raising £4,500 for charity.
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SPOTLIGHT: Solar panels on Eastbourne Levels given go ahead
By Rebecca Maer Solar panels will be installed across an agricultural flood plain either side of the railway track into Eastbourne after councillors approved the scheme. They voted narrowly in favour – with three for, two against and one absention – after the scheme was discussed at last night’s Eastbourne Borough Council planning meeting. The […]
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SPOTLIGHT: Sovereign Harbour flats scheme still too big, say councillors
By Rebecca Maer A controversial retirement scheme planned for Sovereign Harbour was last night deferred for the second time as councillors dug their heels in over the scale of the design, rejecting a recommendation to approve it. The original plan for three blocks at Martinique Way at the edge of a shingle beach has already […]
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SPOTLIGHT: Have your say on Orchard Road apartments plan
By Huw Oxburgh, BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporter Council plans to build town centre apartments in Eastbourne on the site of the former magistrates’ court are now open for comment. In a planning application validated last week, Eastbourne Borough Council has put forward fresh proposals to build housing on the site in Old Orchard Road. The […]
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SPOTLIGHT: Plan for 100 homes to replace ‘eyesore’ car park
By Huw Oxburgh, BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporter A developer has submitted plans to replace a multi-storey car park near the station in Eastbourne with more than 100 homes. In plans validated by Eastbourne Borough Council last week, developer Elstree Land is seeking planning permission to demolish the now-closed multi-storey car park in Junction Road and […]
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SPOTLIGHT: When is Fort Fun re-opening?
Prominent seafront site Fort Fun is on the verge of partially re-opening with the revamped indoor play area. The company developing the site is about to finally sign a five-year lease with Eastbourne Borough Council. The refurbishment has been dogged by legal delays and repeated anti-social behaviour at the former fun park. Vandals have […]
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