East Beach Cafe

Inspired by weather-beaten driftwood, the radical sculptural design of the East Beach Café has put Littlehampton onto the architectural map. Designed by Heatherwick Studio.

The designer Thomas Heatherwick describes the basic concept behind the East Beach Café as being a place of “prospect and refuge” with generous views of the sea and beach and a cosy atmosphere, whatever the weather.

The site benefits from the fact that the town is set back from the sea - a substantial green space separates the houses of South Terrace from the promenade and thence from the beach. There was an existing kiosk which the owner wished to redevelop with a building of questionable architectural quality.

When objections through the planning system failed to stop the project, Jane Wood, who owned a flat in South Terrace and whose view would be spoilt by the new development, realised the only way to save this splendid site was to buy the business. With no previous experience of catering she then set about commissioning a replacement for the kiosk which would be of fitting quality.

Heatherwick Studio were invited in September 2005 to design a new café on the site. The form of the building is inspired by the contours of weather beaten driftwood. It is a building form that relates more to its marine environment than the traditional buildings of the town behind.

The proposals were presented to a special meeting of local residents and councillors which was held on the beach; presentations were made to the civic society and the proposals were discussed in depth with customers of the kiosk. When the proposals went before the planning committee there were no objections and two letters of support, one from the East Beach Residents’ Association.

The kiosk was demolished in mid 2006. The intricate steel structure, fabricated by the local firm of Littlehampton Welding, was delivered in sections over the next six months and fitting out started in early 2007. The building opened for business in June 2007.