The seafront site of the former Claremont Hotel in Eastbourne could soon be given a new lease of life, six years after the landmark building was destroyed by fire.
Developers have submitted plans to build 65 apartments on the plot, which has remained derelict since the blaze in 2016 left the hotel beyond repair. The proposals include a mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes, with the aim of creating modern housing in the heart of the town.
The Claremont, a Grade II listed building, was once one of Eastbourne’s most recognisable hotels. Its destruction left a gap on the Grand Parade seafront, sparking debate over what should happen to the site. Since then, safety work has been carried out and parts of the structure have been demolished, but no permanent use for the land has been agreed until now.
Eastbourne Borough Council has welcomed the new application, describing it as a “high-quality residential development” that would add value to the seafront. Planning officers say the project could help meet demand for new housing locally, while also improving the appearance of a key part of the town centre.
If approved, the scheme would be one of the most significant redevelopments on Eastbourne’s seafront in recent years. Developers say the apartments have been designed to fit sympathetically with surrounding buildings while also offering contemporary accommodation.
The proposals come at a time when Eastbourne, like many towns across the South East, is under pressure to deliver more homes. Rising demand and limited supply have placed additional strain on local housing markets, with councils keen to see brownfield or unused sites brought back into use.
Residents will have the opportunity to comment on the plans through the council’s planning portal before a final decision is made. Planners will consider issues such as design, impact on the seafront, and the potential benefits of bringing the site back into use after years of standing empty.
For many in Eastbourne, the redevelopment could mark the end of a long wait to see the Claremont site transformed from a fire-damaged shell into new homes that contribute to the town’s future.
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