Plans to restore historic Bexhill seaside shelter

On Monday (January 11), Rother District Council cabinet members are to consider proposals to lease a Victorian-built and Grade II listed seaside shelter to Bexhill Heritage, following an extensive programme of repairs and restoration costing almost £60,000.

If given the lease Bexhill Heritage plans to run the restored structure as community facility for events, including music, charity fundraising and craft demonstrations – bringing the shelter back to its original use as a bandstand. 

In proposal papers to be considered by cabinet, a spokesman for Bexhill Heritage said: “We suggest that this new facility would be popular with local residents across the age range.

“It would attract more people to the promenade. It would entertain, educate and inform as well as facilitating conversation and debate.

“Through its activities, it would broaden horizons, enable people to make new friends and engender greater pride in our community. 

“We are confident it would help to attract more visitors to Bexhill and encourage them to return.”

According to council papers, the shelter – which sits near Channel View East and Bexhill Sailing Club – is in need of significant and immediate repairs. These repairs alone would be expected to cost the council around £61,000.

While a full restoration would normally be expected to cost more than these repairs, Bexhill Heritage has offered to support the council’s project. 

Bexhill Heritage’s contribution to the restoration will be to provide labour through its network of volunteers. 

According to the council, the value of the labour contribution is estimated to be around 1,500 hours, equivalent to a value of £31,000 of costs that will be avoided by utilising Bexhill Heritage volunteers. 

As a result, the costs of a full restoration would come in at slightly under £60,000 – cheaper than the simple repairs alone. 

While the structure was converted into a seaside shelter in 1906, it had originally been built in 1895 as a bandstand.

The restoration would aim to use the same design and colour scheme as when the building was originally built in 1895. It is also planned for a replica iron ridge crest to be commissioned and installed in 2022.

In a report to be considered by cabinet members, a council officer said: “The disposal of a restored Shelter One by way of a lease to Bexhill Heritage for a term of ten years at a peppercorn rent has a range of benefits. 

“It will enable Bexhill Heritage to work with a range of community partners to transform the shelter into a vibrant and valued community asset for the future.

“Further, there is financial benefit to the council in that Bexhill Heritage will be responsible for the repair and utility costs associated with managing the shelters reducing future costs.”