Eastbourne Borough Council says it will fast-track a bid to the government’s new £1.5 billion fund for cultural venues.
The government has announced a new £1.5 billion fund aimed at supporting cultural venues across the UK, with up to 1,000 sites expected to benefit.
The funding is designed to protect and revitalise theatres, music venues, galleries, museums and heritage attractions, many of which continue to face rising costs and long-term financial pressures. Ministers say the investment will help safeguard venues that play a vital role in local economies, tourism and community life.
The scheme, often described as a heritage or cultural revival fund, is expected to support repairs, refurbishments and long-term improvements, helping venues remain open, accessible and financially sustainable. Local authorities and cultural organisations will be able to apply, with bids assessed on their cultural value, community impact and future resilience.
The government says the fund builds on previous cultural support packages and reflects a commitment to protecting Britain’s creative and heritage sectors, ensuring historic and much-loved venues can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Eastbourne Councillor Jenny Williams has welcomed the government's announcement and is in no doubt that the Bandstand must be one of the 1,000 venues that the government has promised to support.
Councillor Williams said: "We applied to this government and the last one for Bandstand funding without success, but our lobbying has continued and this latest heritage revival fund appears tailor made for our much-loved attraction.
"The government has stated it wants to save 1,000 cultural venues in England and I know that residents and visitors to Eastbourne will want the Bandstand at the top of that list."
Within the overall funding scheme, £230 million is earmarked for preserving heritage buildings. A bid is now being planned with the involvement of the newly formed Seafront Executive Board, which includes seafront stakeholders from the business sector and the local community.
Councillor Williams added: "The Bandstand is the centrepiece of our beautiful seafront.
"We will fast track an application for this funding, making sure the government understands the strength of local support to preserve this hugely important and historic venue."
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