Eastbourne Cultural Centre gets planning permission


Planning permission has been granted for Rick Mather Architects' scheme for a new Gallery and Cultural Centre in Eastbourne.

This exciting project will see the construction of a major new contemporary building in a prime location next to the Grade II* Listed Congress Theatre. The new building will bring a 21st century addition to Devonshire Park and strengthen its position as the town's cultural quarter.

The Cultural Centre will provide a new home for the nationally acclaimed art collection of Eastbourne's Towner Art Gallery as well as providing new conference halls, community activity rooms and a café.

The work which is due to start in the summer will see the construction of a 200 sq. m gallery for the Towner's nationally important collection allowing more works to be brought out of storage and displayed.

Another important element will be a fully accessible storage facility for the collection. Temporary exhibitions will be presented in a 400 sq m gallery of international standards. An Art Research Studio will enable photography and conservation work to be carried out and additional space will be built for a retail facility, cafe and conference exhibitions.

The Centre will also contain a suite of community activity rooms which will be used by schools and community groups for education and creative activities.

The Towner Art Gallery is currently based in an 18th century manor house. However, alterations needed to improve the conditions for the collection and access for visitors could not be made without damaging this important listed building. The new Centre will bring the gallery into the centre of the town and enable many more people to enjoy the varied collections, which boast a cross section of 20th century British artists.

The £8.58m scheme will be funded by The Arts Council's capital programme, The Heritage Lottery Fund, South East England Development Agency and Eastbourne Borough Council.

Cllr. Graham Marsden, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council said,
"I congratulate Rick Mather Architects on their success and the prestigious scheme that they have designed. I am confident that it will lead to the construction of a Cultural Centre that will be the envy of many and a focus for the Arts in South East England. As a member of the project board I look forward to working with Rick Mather Architects and the completion of the new Centre in 2007."

8 February 2005