January 4, 2012
Statement from the Leader of the Council, Cllr David Tutt
Eastbourne Borough Council is acutely aware of the importance of the Wish Tower site. This is why we terminated the former lease and are now planning for the future.
The existing restaurant is in a poor state and it is simply not viable to refurbish it. The restaurant was built more than 50 years ago. The old lease, signed in 1989, required the tenants to repair and sustain the building, not to materially improve it or extend its lifespan.
Had we forced the tenant to make repairs to the building, for example by replacing the plastic roof, we would have been required to pay more in compensation and would still have had a tired 1960s building that does not match our ambition for the site.
As stated before, the former tenant had a statutory entitlement to compensation. Claims as high as £155,000 were made however, the council successfully argued in court that due to rent arrears and the condition of the building, the tenant was entitled to substantially less. The court ordered the council to pay approximately £38,000.
We consider this to be an excellent result for the town, saving the tax payer £117,000 and returning a prime site on the seafront to the Council’s control.
Our plans for the site will deliver an exciting and vibrant new tourism facility in line with our vision for Eastbourne.
The redevelopment will also reflect the gift made by the Foyle family in the late 1950s, which helped build the Wish Tower sun lounge and café, and we will ensure that a lasting memorial to those killed and injured in the Second World War is created.
