Town Centre refit: plans unveiled

Ahead of Rother District Council's (RDC) cabinet meeting on Monday (June 21), chief executive Derek Stevens and director of services Tony Leonard unveiled a raft of proposals designed to boost footfall in the town centre, with Devonshire Square as a focal point.

Both officers say that - love it or loathe it - investment in the De La Warr Pavilion boosted Bexhill's national profile and has helped it survive a decline in the popularity of seaside towns.

Derek said: "The investment in the Pavilion was really the start of regeneration. What we are doing now is building all the other things which will not just bring people in but hold them here."

And with work underway on West Parade seafront, attention is shifting to the next piece of the puzzle.

On Monday, councillors will discuss proposals which include:

'¢ The Sense of Place project, to crack down on cosmetic town centre issues like graffiti and fly-tipping.

'¢ The idea of a 'social road' between Sackville Roundabout and Devonshire Road, prioritising pedestrians.

'¢ Further development of Devonshire Square. Possible partners listed include Network Rail, the Post Office and the library.

'¢ Plans to woo private investors to Bexhill to build an 80-bed hotel close to the town centre and more high-quality restaurants.

'¢ A focus on revamping the town's public toilets.

And, perhaps conscious of the view of some critics that RDC has not paid enough attention to consultation in the past, the authority plans to set up a town centre steering group, including Richard Ostle, president of Bexhill's Chamber of Commerce, to work alongside a project team of officers.

Tony said: "It is important early on to create strong links with the community through consultation.

"It is envisaged that we will involve interested groups and members of the public in the early stages of this process."

Officers will hope to avoid a repeat of "Gubby's Balls" - the derogatory nickname given to the Devonshire Square development.

The plan is the latest move in what Derek Stevens refers to as a "storyline" which includes projects like Sidley Goods Yard, Bexhill Museum and the new High School building.

The controversial Next Wave project, both officers say, is "critical" to link the town centre with one of Bexhill's best assets - the seafront. The pair say their vision is for a town with "something for everyone".

"We want people to start their shopping experience in Bexhill, we don't want them in Eastbourne or Hastings," said Derek.

"Our view is regeneration takes a generation. We're not looking at today or tomorrow."

Tony added: "You have to keep things fresh, and vibrant.

"If you want things to stay as they are, then things will have to change."

Leader of the council Carl Maynard is project sponsor for the plan.

He recognised the need for a vibrant town centre, but cautioned that it needed to be seen against a backdrop of economic cuts, and spoke of the importance of private investment.

"We are absolutely committed to regeneration" he said. "The museum, the Sidley Business Yard and the seafront are but a few key projects which demonstrate this.

"We are also committed to the town centre. But we don't know what's around the corner regarding possible reductions in government funding.

"However if we stand still and do nothing, Bexhill will never reach it's true potential."

To view the full report, visit the Meetings and Agendas section on www.rother.gov.uk or come to the cabinet meeting on Monday, at 11am in the Town Hall.