Bandstand repair work to take place after summer

Restoration work to Eastbourne bandstand will take place following the summer season, the council has confirmed.

Eastbourne Borough Council said it was investing £1.1m to repair the Grade II listed structure's upper and lower shelters.

The local authority said the bandstand, which is nearly 100 years old, had been "severely damaged" by winter storms, with plaster and metal from its steel supports regularly coming loose and falling off.

Councillor Jenny Williams, cabinet member for heritage, culture and seafront, said: "We continue to maintain the bandstand for our residents and visitors, and I'm delighted the summer season of shows will continue this year and next year as planned."

The local authority said there would be no access to the lower and upper shelters in 2025, but up to 530 people would still be able to sit or stand within the ground-floor main arena viewing area.

A spokesperson for the council has confirmed visitors can access the bandstand along the middle promenade and through the building during the summer.

"The outer colonnade will remain closed to the public due to previously identified structural issues with the ageing fabric of the building," they added.

More than 100 shows have been planned for the summer, with only four events in October not taking place to ensure the works are completed in time for 2026, the council said.

Work will begin next week erecting safety screening around the areas concerned.

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