PLANS to transform one of Britain’s most iconic modernist buildings have taken a major step forward after Rother District Council unanimously approved planning permission and listed building consent for the De La Warr Pavilion Masterplan.
The landmark decision paves the way for a multi-million-pound project to preserve the Grade I listed building’s unique heritage while creating new spaces for culture, learning and community use. The formal consent notices are now awaited.
The Pavilion, which marks its 90th birthday in December 2025 now looks ahead to its centenary in 2035. The ‘People’s Pavilion’ was founded on radical modernist ideals of creativity, community and social progress and this new capital project will ensure that those founding principles remain at the heart of the building’s future.
Doug Oliver, Leader of Rother District Council: “The De La Warr Pavilion is a cornerstone of our cultural and civic identity. This ambitious project protects a nationally important modernist icon while creating new opportunities for our residents, transforming valued heritage into a place for skills, jobs, creativity, and wellbeing. Rother District Council is proud to stand alongside our partners in ensuring the Pavilion not only honours its remarkable heritage, but also drives progress, sustainability, and prosperity for future generations.”
The masterplan project has secured £17m from the UK Government as part of a partnership with Heart of Sidley to conserve the Pavilion and create a new community hub in Sidley delivering impactful cultural-led regeneration for Bexhill.
Other funders have pledged support including Arts Council England, National Lottery Heritage Fund (development grant), East Sussex County Council, The Chalk Cliff Trust, Foyle Foundation and life-long supporter Suzy Eddie Izzard but there is still a significant fundraising target to complete the full scheme.
Stewart Drew, CEO and Artistic Director of the De La Warr Pavilion: “The Pavilion has always been more than a building. It was created as a bold symbol of progress, a space where architecture, art and community come together. This project is about protecting that vision, while transforming the Pavilion to meet the challenges of the future – from sustainability to social impact. Our aim is to secure the Pavilion’s place as an iconic cultural hub for the South East for the next 100 years.”
