20 October 2010
A major Council review is to be held into how best to develop the DevonshirePark complex, including the Congress Theatre.
The review will involve appointing business and architectural consultants to investigate the local, regional, national and international opportunities for the future use of the site, through improving the theatres, conference, recreation and sporting facilities.
At a Council Cabinet meeting this week, members voted in favour of a comprehensive review of all buildings on the site, including the tennis facilities.
Business planning will be a key part of the review, to ensure the facilities can still function during any period of change and to deliver greater audience satisfaction, secure long term partnerships with organisations such as the LTA and bring more investment, businesses and visitors to Eastbourne.
The Council already has some feedback from audiences and hirers on what could be improved in the actual theatres and this process will give further opportunities to share views, from residents and key stakeholder groups, all of whom are vital to the long-term success of this once in a generation investment in DevonshirePark.
Cabinet members voted against spending large sums in the short term on what could be temporary repairs until these opportunities have been explored, in consultation with local community.
Members agreed to retain the existing scaffolding and screens at the Congress Theatre. The scaffolding is sufficient to ensure the public is safe when using the theatre while also giving the Council time to fully consider all options.
Cllr David Tutt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said: “Although no plans have been made for the DevonshirePark site, it is imperative that we examine fully how best to improve this venue.
“DevonshirePark has huge economic importance and we owe it to the town to explore the opportunities for employment and tourism a large scale investment could have.
“Making sure we continue to attract first class productions at the Congress, a wide range of conferences and events, as well as the world’s best tennis players through the LTA is vital to the town’s prosperity.
“The strategic review will look at all the options and there will be many opportunities for people to share their views in different ways as we are currently working on a number of initiatives to develop the cultural profile of Eastbourne. We will want to hear from as many people as possible, both individual residents, local organisations and key stakeholders.”
