Landmark restoration boost from The National Lottery Heritage Fund
One of Sussex’s most famous landmark, The De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill, is today celebrating its’ 90th birthday with some good news! It’s been awarded just over £7.6 million to complete the first phase of a restoration programme.
It’s part of an overall scheme to restore and reimagine Britain’s first modernist multi-arts centre. ‘An Icon for Everyone’ is considered to be a landmark £51.9 million project.
Managers explain the initial funding will enable the De La Warr Pavilion, working in partnership with Rother District Council, to begin urgent ‘heritage conservation and capital works’ that will safeguard the Grade I listed building.
‘This project will conserve and celebrate this modernist jewel, connecting the community and visitors to the heritage of one of Britain’s most important modernist landmarks as it celebrates its 90th Birthday,’ says Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive, The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
‘It will improve accessibility to the building and provide opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in heritage, learn new creative skills and be part of the journey to bring this internationally significant building to life for generations to come.’
‘Thanks to National Lottery players our funding will support the first stage of the restoration of the De La Warr Pavillion.’
‘It will shine a light on its architectural and social history, securing its place as a vibrant creative hub to build pride in place and make sure heritage is cared for and sustained for everyone now and in the future.’
The award marks a major milestone for the Pavilion’s 90th anniversary year and follows cornerstone significant investment from the UK Government and Rother District Council.
‘A nationally important modernist icon’
The Pavilion’s also seen support from Arts Council England, East Sussex County Council, The Foyle Foundation, Suzy Eddie Izzard, The Chalk Cliff Trust – and an array of private donors.
‘This award is a transformational moment for the Pavilion and for Bexhill. The Pavilion has always been more than a building,’ says Stewart Drew, CEO and Director of the De La Warr Pavilion.
‘It was created as a bold symbol of progress, a space where architecture, culture 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 Southeast for the next 100 years. We are profoundly grateful to National Lottery players for making this possible.’
Image: Phoebe Wingrove (provided by The National Lottery Heritage Fund)
The team will be focusing their Phase One work on Heritage conservation which’ll include repairing rooves, windows and building fabric – all with the aim of safeguarding the Pavilion’s Grade I-listed architecture.
There are also plans to improve accessibility, circulation and facilities for visitors, artists and staff with a goal of creating new spaces for creative learning, skills training and community engagement.
Managers explain they plan to introduce a low-carbon heating infrastructure, renewable energy systems and water efficiency measures (all with the aim of supporting Net Zero targets).
‘At the heart of our cultural and civic identity’
‘Heart of Sidley is thrilled to continue our partnership with the De La Warr Pavilion through this The National Lottery Heritage Fund support,’ says Jay Carroll, Chair of Heart of Sidley.
‘The funding will help us bring creative and heritage focused opportunities directly to our community and ensure local voices play an important part in the future of the Pavilion.’
The Pavilion was originally envisioned as a ‘People’s Palace’ and was commissioned in 1935 by the 9th Earl De La Warr.
It was designed by pioneering architects Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff as an embodiment of modernist ideals of innovation, equality and cultural access.
Today, it welcomes more than 350,000 visitors each year. Some advance works are expected to begin in 2026.
‘The De La Warr Pavilion is at the heart of our cultural and civic identity,’ says Doug Oliver, Leader of Rother District Council.
‘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.’
Breaktime News has previously reported on The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s grant for work at RAF Museum Midlands in Cosford and in the creation of a Royal Marines Experience at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
