Significant renovation has commenced at an iconic seaside cultural center.

The transformation of the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill gets underway as the structure marks its ninth decade.

Over the years, the Grade I listed modernist treasure has welcomed performers including Bob Marley, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Rag’n’Bone Man.

However, with attendance exceeding 350,000 visitors each year, the pavilion is showing considerable deterioration, displaying notable effects from heavy use, salty coastal weather and limited funds allocated to upkeep and repairs.

This year’s efforts will involve repairing the main foyer flat roof to achieve waterproofing and insulation standards, fitting solar panels and refurbishing the glazing on both the northern and southern staircases.

The Grade I listed structure was erected in 1935 and was the work of architects Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff.

In December, the De La Warr Pavilion and Rother District Council received £7,646,425 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the initiative, which forms part of a £51.9 million comprehensive development plan.

The establishment will continue operating throughout 2026.

Stewart Drew, chief executive and director, De La Warr Pavilion stated: “We anticipate an exciting 90th anniversary year as we commence these vital restoration efforts at the Pavilion, beginning with the roof and our distinctive staircase glazing.

This represents meaningful progress toward our objective of decreasing energy consumption and reducing expenses in alignment with broader environmental goals. Along with these improvements, new auditorium seating is arriving, and the revival of a fully functional piano lift will greatly enhance our backstage operations – marking the commencement of phase one of our masterplan to reinvent this remarkable venue for the next hundred years.

This transformative undertaking will establish fresh educational and community facilities, enhance accessibility, promote environmental sustainability and ensure the Pavilion remains a creative and cultural destination for everyone.

While some alterations to the building’s surroundings will occur during this time, we are providing an extensive schedule of performances, exhibitions, concerts, screenings and special occasions for our community this year including Bexhill’s Big Summer Sounds, an event where the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra takes over the De La Warr Pavilion, alongside a significant outdoor program across the Pavilion’s terrace and lawns. Additionally, our neighbor, Heart of Sidley’s new facility, also opens this June. Bexhill is a wonderful place to be.