LONG delayed work on the dilapidated exterior of the Winter Garden will finally go ahead next year, according to Eastbourne Borough Council.
Refurbishment of the landmark building, near the theatres and art gallery in the Devonshire Quarter (DQ), has fallen victim to the impact of Covid on local government finances, the council says.
A revised planning application for the façade and the windows is in progress at the council, with no decision date set.
The original plans, shown in an artist’s impression above and granted in 2016, were designed to improve the historical character of the building.
However, the Conservative opposition leader has accused the Liberal Democrat-controlled council of being “incredibly miserly” when it came to restoring the 140-year-old building, in contrast to the rest of the area.
The council has said the funding problems means the restoration will be on a ‘like-for-like’ basis (below).
In a statement to the Eastbourne Reporter, the council said:
“The work to the façade is part of a phased renovation of the Winter Garden. The first phase involved the refurbishment of the floral hall, the main entrance and foyer, toilets, a new lift to all levels, stage reconstruction and extensive technical and services upgrades. This is now complete.
“Exterior works are in phase two which is now in the planning and design stage.
“Options for the façade are currently being explored and the next step will be securing planning permission.
“It is expected this phase will be carried out next year, following investigative, structural and enabling work on the Winter Garden.”
However, Conservative leader Coun Robert Smart (Meads) told the Eastbourne Reporter: “You are in an unusual position of a Conservative politician saying you have to spend more.
“The council has gone incredibly miserly on the Winter Garden. It is shocking that we have gone through this summer with it looking in this state.”
Coun Smart (below) reiterated comments he made last summer relating to the Devonshire Quarter redevelopment.
“The DQ development is over £20 million overspent. The original £44 million budget included the complete renovation of the Winter Garden for £6 million. It is now effectively being just repaired.”
The South East Local Enterprise Partnership awarded the project £1.6 million of Government money from the Getting Building Fund to restore it “to its former glory”.
It still lists work as being due for completion in spring 2022 on its website.
The interior of the Winter Garden, built in 1875, has been extensively restored in recent years (above).
It has reopened and in August hosted a Conservative Party hustings debate between Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss. It is also the venue for the popular annual Wyntercon sci-fi and fantasy event.
The redevelopment of the DQ is designed to improve conference, theatre, tennis, hospitality and arts facilities.
Comments are welcome but they are pre-moderated
:: If you like my original journalism, please support me so this can become a viable enterprise – many thanks
I could CRY when I see the Old Lady looking like this.
I understand the sprung dance floor has gone ??
And there are not enough quality Hotel rooms to accommodate a big conference. .??
Oh dear….the new plans look so drear…..the Old Lady has such a lovely roof shape too.
When did common sense vanish from “ THOSE IN CHARGE”?
At the end of the day, the Council just does not have the money to pay for this refurbishment. It is the same story with the Redoubt Museum and Motcombe Baths, however, at last the Bandstand is now being renovated.