Next Wave - February 2010

Refurbishment of historic structure and new sports club given go-ahead. Key aspects of a £5million regeneration scheme for Bexhill seafront have been granted planning permission.

Plans to refurbish and redevelop the grade II listed Colonnade building and create a new rowing club were passed by Rother District Council's planning committee, subject to conditions.

The features form part of the 'Next Wave' regeneration plans for Bexhill's West Parade, which will also include landscaping, increased seating, new seafront shelters and an improved kiosk.

The scheme will improve the offer for seafront visitors and residents and will complement the iconic De La Warr Pavilion.

Funded by Rother District Council and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), the scheme represents the largest public realm investment made in the area for generations.

The historic Colonnade is in need of a full refurbishment programme. As well as restoring the building, the plans will also see the addition of a restaurant and small retail units, providing places where people can eat, drink and relax.

Bexhill Rowing Club have enjoyed great success in competitions and four of their members achieved national recognition last year after winning a race across the Indian Ocean.

The plans will see the club given a new home, approximately twice the size of their current building. The club will be given a dedicated wash-down area and a new viewing terrace will be installed.

Bexhill Rowing Club chairman Graham Dawes said: "We are over the moon. It's good for us and it's good news for the town. We will now have a great facility to get more young people into rowing.

"What we had was far too small and this will be so much better."

Project sponsor Cllr Christopher Starnes said: "We are delighted these key features of the Next Wave scheme have been approved.

"We are now looking forward to starting work on these plans to make Bexhill a better place to live, visit and work."

Work on the project is due to commence in the spring.