Town centre proposals

Bosses at Rother District Council want to revitalise Buckhurst Place, the seafront and areas of the Edwardian Core such as Devonshire Square.

The proposals are outlined in a document to be discussed at next Tuesday's cabinet meeting. No specific plans have been submitted.

The move comes after plans by regeneration company Sea Space were thrown out in February.

Sea Space wanted to build a hotel on the council-owned Metropole putting green site on the seafront.

But the Save Our Seafront campaign collected more than 12,000 signatures in a petition and held a protest rally against the scheme.

The new document to be discussed next week said: "Bexhill offers many attractions. Where the town is less strong is in its economic health.

"Unemployment is higher than the rest of the district. Despite its size, more people commute out of Bexhill than come to it for work.

"If Bexhill is to offer the economic attractions that will sustain its appeal, it needs to provide better job opportunities, especially for its young people.

"The town centre has a key part to play in realising Bexhill's economic potential."

Council chiefs believe Buckhurst Place needs extra parking, more office space, and pedestrian access to the railway station.

The report also suggests vacant shops in the Edwardian Core area should be filled and more private sector investment encouraged.

Anthony Leonard, director of services for Rother District Council, said in a report: "A vision document is still required for Bexhill town centre that has formal council backing in order to provide a framework for future investment.

"Implementation of the regeneration activities in the document, in particular major development or improvement schemes, will take time to achieve and will require project planning over a long period.

"It is suggested that a five-year implementation plan be drawn up in consultation with key partners.

"The lack of a long-term strategy will result in the loss of opportunities for investment in Bexhill town centre and it is likely that the town will stagnate."