Decision due on major revamp of Bexhill town hall

On Thursday (October 13), Rother District Council’s planning committee is set to consider an application connected to the Town Hall Renaissance project, which seeks to redevelop the council-owned site in Bexhill.

Through its application, the council proposes to demolish a number of extensions and annexes to the main town hall building and replace them with a new civic centre.

This new civic centre — described as being ‘up to four storeys tall’ — would include a new public reception together with event space and a community cafe. It would also include office space, some which is expected to be leased out by the council.

It will be linked to the main town hall building, which is set for refurbishment as part of the project.

While recommended for approval, the new building’s design has seen some concerns raised by local conservation group Bexhill Heritage. The group argues the current design is too tall and would ‘overwhelm’ the existing town hall building.

Planning officers disagree with this assessment, however, concluding that any heritage harm would be outweighed by the ‘public benefits’ of the scheme.

The town hall site does not currently contain any listed buildings, but it is understood an application for listing is currently being considered by Historic England.

In responding to the planning application, Historic England have said it is too early to say what their decision will be. If any of the buildings do become listed, the council will also need to secure Listed Building Consent through an application to be determined by the Secretary of State.

The council has previously said the scheme, expected to cost up to £15m, will be self-funding and will be completed at no additional cost to Rother taxpayers.

According to the council, income will be generated from the new development by renting out the additional office space. Meanwhile, the refurbishment of the town hall is expected to result in “significant” savings on energy and maintenance costs, which combined will be used to pay back the loan required for the construction.

For further information on the proposals see application reference RR/2022/1784/P on the Rother District Council website.