Colonnade scheme ticks all boxes

Not only would it meet regeneration plans to improve the seafront's public appeal and boost commercial activity it would solve the long-standing problem of how to find a new home for fast-expanding and highly successful Bexhill Rowing Club.

It would do so without creating a block on the coastal skyline.

An engineering study has shown that the scheme is feasible. Now architect's drawings and illustrations show how it could be achieved.

Rother cabinet's approval has given officers approval to seek the commercial partners necessary if the scheme is to succeed.

But even if the ambitious and innovative 1.566m project did not go ahead, Rother would still need to spend at least 180,000 cutting into the embankment to insert a waterproof membrane to protect the town landmark from further damage from damp.

That protection would be assured as part of the scheme.

Consultant engineers Sheppard have said the scheme is sound. Little Common architect Nigel Faulkner has demonstrated how all the elements, from the Rowing Club's ambition to establish the only indoor rowing training tank south of London's Docklands to the relocation of the Colonnade caf, construction of new public toilets to refurbishment of the circular area in front of the Colonnade to the creation of up to three retail outlets could be incorporated.

The earth behind the Colonnade would be excavated. The fan-shaped Colonnade would be extended rearwards. A concrete base and water-proof concrete retaining wall would then be installed and the accommodation created topped by a concrete roof.

The grassy slope would then be reinstated to a broadly similar profile to today's.

Viewed from the De La Warr Pavilion and from the promenades to the east and west, the Colonnade's appearance would be virtually unchanged.

Viewed from the seaward side it would be enhanced but with all the familiar remaining features of the structure erected to commemorate the Coronation of King George V retained.

Rother head of regeneration Graham Burgess and project planning manager Richard Shoobridge this week talked the Observer through the proposals.

Full story in Friday's Observer.