Work begins to transform international tennis centre at Devonshire Park

Work has started on major improvements to the international tennis centre at Devonshire Park as part of a £44milion transformation scheme being led by Eastbourne Borough Council.

Both playing and support facilities are undergoing extensive enhancement, including a fantastic new show court, new practice courts and increased space around outside match courts allowing players to hit the ball harder and from further off the court when returning serve and during rallies.

These improvements will be underpinned by the installation of a modern irrigation system that will ensure that Eastbourne’s world famous grass courts, considered by many the best in the world, remain in peak condition throughout the year. 

 
New practice courts for the players will also be created at Moira House School in Eastbourne.

Off court, players will benefit from the development of new player changing rooms, fitness and physio suites, player lounges and medical facilities. 

 
The Aegon International has been confirmed at Devonshire Park until at least 2026.

Beyond the International Lawn Tennis Centre, Eastbourne Borough Council’s investment in the Devonshire Quarter will also see the transformation of the Congress Theatre, Winter Garden and Devonshire Park Theatre.

 
Each venue, all of national architectural importance and significance, will be returned to their former glory with the Devonshire Park Theatre renovations first to be completed.

A new Welcome Building will replace the old Congress Suite, creating world class conference and exhibition space and seamless access into and through the Devonshire Quarter, while new public realm, courtesy of a stylish plaza, will totally rejuvenate the experience for people circulating in and around the cultural and sporting complex.

See our short Devonshire Quarter preview film here: https://player.vimeo.com/video/181771643

Flame design wins seafront sculpture competition

A twisting flame to be made from steel and damaged two pence coins reclaimed from Eastbourne Pier fire has been chosen as the dramatic design for a new seafront sculpture.

Eastbourne Borough Council has announced that George King Architects’ Forged by Flame concept is the winner of its competition to create a piece of public art marking the community’s overwhelming support for the pier following the fire two years ago.

In their entry, designers described the damaged coins as a ‘symbol of rebirth and renewal’, having been destroyed in the fire but now taking on a new life as part of a sculpture to remember and reflect on it.

Forged by Flame was among four shortlisted entries which included a series of seagull silhouettes, a bell and weather vane in the form of a Phoenix.

George Kings Architects will receive £20,000 to create and install their artwork, out of a £2million Government grant to promote tourism in Eastbourne pledged by former Prime Minister David Cameron following the fire.

The sculpture will be positioned in a prominent and suitable location on the seafront by summer 2017.