World renowned architects firm Marks Barfield has been appointed to work in partnership with Eastbourne Borough Council to deliver a vision for the town’s Devonshire Park complex.
The appointment was made following a national appointment process, conducted in liaison with key partners, including the Lawn Tennis Association, The Theatres Trust, Arts Council England, Eastbourne Conference Partnership, Eastbourne Hospitality Association, East Sussex County Council and the Chamber of Commerce.
The ambitious plans will begin with a review into the business opportunities, involving comparisons with other destinations and cultural venues and an analysis of opportunities to generate increased income, attendance, community use and audience satisfaction.
The results will inform the overall vision of how best to develop the facilities at the complex to meet these opportunities, including the Congress Theatre. Marks Barfield, responsible for designing the London Eye, will lead the review hand in hand with the Council.
As well as examining the local, regional, national and international opportunities for the future use of the site, through improving the theatres, conference, recreation and sporting facilities, the partnership will examine how the site can be improved for the local community, creating useable spaces for families and local clubs to enjoy.
Alongside physical improvements, the partnership will create a robust business design case for the plans ensuring it is both viable and sustainable.
Following an extensive consultation process, an initial set of proposals is expected to go before Council Cabinet in the Autumn.
The team includes business and marketing consultants and the overall project will be managed by representatives from the partner organisations involved.
Cllr Neil Stanley, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Tourism & Leisure, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Marks Barfield and a number of our key partners to deliver what we believe is a once in a generation opportunity to create something really special for the town at Devonshire Park.
“Devonshire Park is crucial to the economic viability of the town and through the right vision can become a world class venue for sport and culture, business and conferences, tourism and leisure.
“Consulting with local residents, businesses and stakeholder organisations will be vital to ensuring an inspiring vision is delivered and I would urge everyone to have their say.
“We have a unique mix of world class sports facilities, open space, public amenities and cultural venues, with contemporary and listed buildings at Devonshire Park. This new project means we can focus on how we can improve and add value to the area, with the potential to create a significant destination for a number of different audiences, including families, local groups and audiences as well as tourism and business use.”
Later stages of the review will seek to secure funding to implement the preferred recommendations, which will include physical improvements to the buildings and public spaces, greater opportunities for programming new events and arts for a range of audiences as well as funding and governance models.
The council already has multi-agency support for the scheme and will be establishing funding and business development partners in the months ahead.
Details of how the consultation on the scheme will be managed will be released in due course by Eastbourne Borough Council.
Marks Barfield enjoys a world class reputation for transforming environments by creating innovative, sustainable and imaginative buildings.
As well as delivering the London Eye, the firm is also working on other high profile projects including a transformation of Leicester Square in London.
For more information contact Matt Adams in the Eastbourne Borough Council press office on 01323 415433.
