Here you will find updates on the Eastbourne Bandstand demolition plans 2025
Latest Update
Bandstand to re-open for the 2026 season
Results of dynamic stress testing have allowed the possibility of the Bandstand to re-open for the 2026 season with appropriate health and safety measures in place (similar to recent years).
This reprieve allows time for what we expect to be a wide consultation with interested organisations and residents in order to establish the most favoured and sustainable long-term future of this site. We believe no options are ruled out at this stage, and that a widely supported scheme could attract sufficient funding to be delivered for Eastbourne.
“The re-opening of Eastbourne Bandstand for the 2026 season stands as a powerful example of community resolve. By challenging the rushed demolition plan, the MCA brought residents together, demanded transparency, and ensured that proper heritage and safety assessments could not be bypassed. Our calm, persistent advocacy shifted the conversation from urgency to stewardship, giving the Bandstand the fair consideration it deserved. In doing so, we the MCA protected not only a landmark but a shared sense of place and pride. Our work, committee and members together, showed how organised, informed local action can reshape outcomes and keep Mead’s, and Eastbourne’s, heritage alive for future generations.” – Mitch Peacock, Chair of MCA
We shall endeavor to keep you updated on developments.
24 February 2026
Awaiting a Structural Engineers Report
The dynamic stress testing has been undertaken at the Bandstand and a structural engineers report is expected early in the new year.
We shall endeavor to keep you updated on developments.
13 December 2025
Dynamic Stress Testing
After advice from Historic England, the council has commissioned engineers to perform dynamic stress testing at the Bandstand. This should inform the necessity and/or urgency of heath and safety works, and whether the Bandstand can operate next season without the extensive planned demolition work.
We hope the results of this testing will allow the Bandstand to re-open and sufficient time be spent on producing a thorough conservation plan and strategic appraisal, liaising with the Environment Agency to secure long-term flood protection, and identify sources of funding to preserve and enhance this heritage asset.
The next meeting of the Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for 16th December, however we do not anticipate the current planning applications for the Bandstand to be on the agenda for determination.
07 December 2025
Another new Planning Committee Date
The planning committee meeting of 17th November has been cancelled, whilst at the same time EBC has issued a press release stating that the ‘Council and partners are fully committed to Bandstand improvements and preservation’.
We believe that strong public opposition from the MCA, together with significant concerns from others, has brought about a rethink on the previous plans, and we will keep you informed of developments.
The next meeting of the full council, where we believe such a significant decision as extensive demolitions at the Bandstand complex should be taken, will be held on 26th November, and the next Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for 16th December.
12 November 2025
…I have no doubt that pressure from MCA played a huge part in re-establishung council priorities…
…the large number of the public that turned up…[to the Planning Committee meeting on 16th September]…was a huge influence on the decision.
You have done an excellent job on this…
Eastbourne Bandstand back before the Planning Committee – New Date
The Planning Committee Meeting has been re-scheduled from the original date of 11th November and will now take place at 6pm on the 17th November.
29 October 2025
Eastbourne Bandstand in Scrutiny Committee 9th October 2025
Leader of the Council, Stephen Holt, and officers were in front of the scrutiny committee to answer questions on the Bandstand.
Ian Fitzpatrick, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Regeneration and Planning had submitted a report which can be seen here. The full discussions, lasting almost two hours, can be viewed here.
Three MCA representatives and others from The Friend’s of Eastbourne Seafront and The Eastbourne Society were present in the public gallery.
Comment by Mitch Peacock, Chair of MCA
“Everyone who spoke seemed genuinely happy to see the bandstand fully restored right where it is. But there were still a lot of unanswered questions. How much a smaller scale short-term alternative to that proposed might cost, whether the Environment Agency was likely to protect the site from the sea in the long run, and what kind of management structure for the bandstand would work best going forward.
Missing from discussions was whether a robust tendering process had happened for the demolition or any staged phases of renovation. Could such a process happen in the time suggested for the current plans to be implemented, in time for the use of the bandstand next year.
That lack of clarity was really disappointing.
More pleasing was to hear development of a conservation plan was now underway, but this plan should have informed the current proposed works to the bandstand rather than the other way around.”
9 November 2025
Site Visit to Eastbourne Bandstand by Historic England 29th September 2025
Representatives from Historic England visited the bandstand, and also viewed the model of it in the reception of Hotel Cumberland. We understand they now wish to make further investigations into the state of the building fabric. Their response to the planning application could be crucial to the outcome. If they agree with the Twentieth Century Society’s opinion, then it would likely require a judgement by the Secretary of State should EBC wish to pursue their current proposal (demolition with no conservation or preservation) for this Grade II listed asset.
Objections
Thank you to those who have submitted objections, and the current number of objections is now refreshing. Ultimately this application will likely be decided by public opinion as evidenced by the number of submissions.
A formal objection from all members would really help
Details of how to object and template comments are included in the previous update (below)
29 September 2025
Eastbourne Bandstand in Planning Committee Meeting 16th September 2025
I was only formally advised on the afternoon of the 16th that the planning officer’s recommendation had been changed. Deferring a decision until a future meeting. I was also advised that I would be denied a chance to speak at the meeting. The reason was that another party registered their intention to speak against the application before the MCA did.
The meeting was well attended and indeed there were far too many to be accommodated in the meeting room. Thank you to all who turned up, and your presence was definitely noticed.
In short order the decision was deferred, with no particular discussion or representations, and we shall have to go through the process again.
What Next?
The deferment should be seen as an opportunity and a chance to rally support in opposition to the plans and get the application thrown out. The best way to do this is for all those who can to submit an objection, either online, by email, or by post. The number of formal objections is key in this case. We must demonstrate that there really is opposition within the community.
Thank you to those who have already submitted objections. Sadly the current number of objections is quite low. Ultimately this application will likely be decided by public opinion as evidenced by the number of submissions. At the moment it simply looks as if nobody cares, which does not bode well for the bandstand.
A formal objection from all members would really help
We are including some template objection comments you may wish to use, to make the process as easy as possible. Feel free to pick’n’mix or write your own.
Template Objection Comments:
- I object to the application, particularly the demolition of the shelters, which are an essential part of the experience of the bandstand.
- If the shelters cannot be kept, then they should be rebuilt like-for-like to conserve the bandstand’s existing appearance.
- The proposal to replace the shelters with decking is not in keeping with the historical character of the bandstand.
- I agree with the observations made in the Twentieth Century’s letter of objection. Their expert advice should be heeded.
- This application should be refused and new proposals developed in consultation with the local community.
- The bandstand is an important and well-loved Eastbourne landmark. This proposal does not do justice to the cultural heritage of the town and will be resisted by the local community.
- The bandstand is part of the cultural heritage of Eastbourne. The proposed changes are not appropriate, and the application should be refused.
Objections to the planning application (250412) and listed building consent (250413) can be submitted online. Follow the links below and select ‘Make a comment’. It only takes a minute or so, however there is a 2000 character limit to text.
Planning application (250412)
https://www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/article/2087/?RefType=APPPlanCase&KeyText=250412
Listed Building Consent (250413)
https://www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/article/2087/?RefType=APPPlanCase&KeyText=250413
Written Objections
Written objections can be sent by email (to planningfirst@lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk) or post. A template letter for that can be found below.
I strongly urge you to make your voice heard,
Mitch Peacock (Chair)
16 September 2025