Next Wave

Connecting a cultural icon with its surroundings by tackling the disjointed relationship between the De La Warr Pavilion, sea-front, town centre and other amenities.

The south coast resort of Bexhill-on-Sea is a tale of two very different architectural styles: extravagant Edwardian and the cool lines of classic modernism. This rare example of an Edwardian planned seaside resort features the iconic Modernist De La Warr Pavilion, which was refurbished in 2005 to create a contemporary arts venue with national appeal.

Yet while the Pavilion received a facelift, it remains disconnected from its surroundings of the seafront and town centre. Low walls, traffic islands and paths which head in illogical directions all conspire to prevent visitors to the Pavilion from making it to the beach or town centre shops. The benefits of refurbishing the Pavilion are considered to require being fully shared with the wider resort.

The ‘Next Wave’ project, which is being part-funded by Sea Change, aims to dramatically improve the setting of the Pavilion and adjacent Promenade, with a raft of measures including shared traffic/pedestrian spaces, new seafront shelters and hard landscaping. The project will also create a series of outdoor ‘rooms’ for a mix of cultural events, helping to enhance Bexhill’s appeal to residents and visitors alike.

Next Wave received a £1 million grant from Sea Change.

More about Next Wave

• Resort background
• Regeneration context
• Project description
• Project delivery
• Further information