Eastbourne Furious as Government Snubs £26.5m Heritage Funding Bid
The leader of Eastbourne Borough Council has blasted the government for rejecting a crucial bid in the latest levelling-up funding round.
Millions Lost for Bandstand and Redoubt Fortress
With the government’s Levelling Up Fund 2 (LUF2) targeting cultural and heritage projects, hopes were high for a £26.5 million cash injection. The bid aimed to restore the iconic Bandstand and historic Redoubt Fortress. Instead, it was flatly refused.
“This is deeply disappointing for all those who love the Bandstand and Redoubt Fortress and were hopeful this funding would deliver a full restoration,” said Councillor David Tutt.
‘Government Pulled a Cheap Trick’ Says Council Leader
Tutt accused ministers of misleading the town. Despite the fund focusing on landmarks, the council’s LUF2 application was dismissed on the basis that Eastbourne already secured cash from the first levelling-up round.
“The email told us we have no allocations left under LUF2 because of our prior success – something never mentioned when the bid was invited,” Tutt said.
He pledged to push Eastbourne’s MP Caroline Ansell to lobby the Secretary of State to reconsider the decision and back these historic treasures.
Bandstand Set to Reopen, But Big Restoration Stalled
The council has already committed £750,000 towards urgent Bandstand repairs, with reopening planned for April 2023.
But Tutt warned: “The Bandstand and Redoubt Fortress are part of Eastbourne’s DNA—they embody the town’s rich heritage. I urge our MP and the government to show these landmarks the respect and funding they deserve.”
