The landmark building which housed former department store T J Hughes sprang back into life this week as the venue for a host of community projects under one roof.
Christian charity Living Life Eastbourne has been granted a one-year rolling lease and plans to use it extensively as a charity retail store, a warm space for the winter and for other community activities.
The 1920s-built store in the centre of Eastbourne, which has a spectacular glass dome (below) on the top floor, closed in 2019 and was earmarked for demolition.
But strong opposition from many, including the Eastbourne Society, means that the façade will be saved when it is eventually redeveloped by new owner, the Rachel Charitable Trust.
In the meantime, it is being used for a range of activities including sales of pre-loved clothes, toys and DVDs, community projects, craft projects, art exhibitions and a community kitchen.
The Mayor of Eastbourne, Coun Pat Rodahan, cut the ribbon (below) on Monday amid dramatic drumming from Stix Drummers to herald the new enterprise, while Vocalise singers entertained shoppers at lunchtime.
Mick Trott, of Living Life Eastbourne, said the opening went extremely well.
“The public were very supportive. It was busy throughout the day and again the next day. People are getting used to the fact that it’s open again,” he said.
He is applying for a grant from Eastbourne Borough Council’s ‘Warm Spaces’ project which aims to provide safe, comfortable spaces for people to use this winter to work, have a hot drink or simply socialise with others.
Mick said that even though they are using basic lighting within the shop to minimise the cost, essential bills are likely to run at around £500 a week.
The charity is hoping to install a community kitchen in which large pots of nutritious vegetable soup will be cooked up this winter from surplus donated by local shops. Coffee or tea and cake costs just £1.
Among the new projects taking space in the old store is Tubbs Computer Supplies, which supplies refurbished computers to those in need.
Chris Hunnisett, who runs the project, is pleased to have far more space than in his crammed workshop in The Old Printworks, Wharf Road. He has big plans to collaborate with the local college so students can come and help refurbish equipment.
The escalator may be static and the upper floors deserted between the shop pillars, but the T J Hughes building is slowly being repurposed, for the wider good of the community.
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Superb write up, Rebecca.
It was great on opening day, showing some excellent direction & potential.
Best wishes,
Guy.