Project intended to safeguard historic fabric, improve accessibility and energy performance, and enhance the visitor experience

View of the proposal from the South terrace looking towards the new studio

Source: Haworth Tompkins

View of the proposal from the South terrace

Rother District Council has unanimously approved planning permission and listed building consent for Haworth Tompkins’ masterplan to refurbish and adapt the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea.

The Grade I listed pavilion, designed by Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff and completed in 1935, will undergo phased conservation and upgrade works intended to safeguard its fabric, improve accessibility and energy performance, and enhance the visitor experience.

The project is being developed in partnership with Rother District Council. The phased approach is intended to allow parts of the building to remain open during construction. 

Haworth Tompkins director Lucy Picardo said: “The approval of the planning and listed building consent applications marks an important step forward in the journey to secure the De La Warr Pavilion’s long-term future. We look forward to continuing our close work with Rother District Council, DLWP, and the wider community as the project progresses.”

The £17 million scheme has received funding from Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, East Sussex County Council and private donors. Further fundraising will be required to complete all phases of the project.

Proposed view to the North entrance and restored North Staircase

Source: Haworth Tompkins

Proposed view to the North entrance and restored North Staircase. New landscaping to the public realm in front of the building will provide a safe step-free route adjacent to the original stepped approach

Rother District Council leader Doug Oliver said: “The De La Warr Pavilion is a cornerstone of our cultural and civic identity. This project protects a nationally important modernist icon while creating new opportunities for our residents.”

The pavilion marks its 90th birthday in December.

The project team includes Buro Happold as MEP engineer, Price & Myers as civil and structural engineer, Eckersley O’Callaghan as facade engineer, Caneparo as transport consultant, Lichfields as planning consultant and JCLA as landscape architect.

>> Also read: In pictures: Haworth Tompkins’ new Court Theatre in Ōtautahi Christchurch

>> Also read: Bradford Live: how Tim Ronalds Architects helped residents save their historic cinema and turn it into a 3,800-capacity music venue

Topics