Focus Consultants has been appointed to oversee a £35 million masterplan project in Eastbourne which will breathe new life into the town’s major attractions.
The scheme aims to refurbish three listed theatres and the international tennis centre, as well as build a new conference centre, to create world-class tourism, cultural and business facilities.
Funding and regeneration experts at Focus Consultants have been secured to project manage the Devonshire Park development, and are currently in the process of appointing a design team to create concept designs for the project. These are likely to be put before decision-makers at Eastbourne Borough Council next Spring.
“This is a major redevelopment not only for Eastbourne but for Focus Consultants too,” said Eleanor Clarke, senior consultant at Focus. “It’s a key project that is scheduled to create a range of benefits for the town and for the area, and we are very pleased to be part of the team that will bring this scheme to reality.”
The ambitious plans include essential repairs to and a complete refurbishment of the Congress Theatre, Winter Garden, a new conference centre between them and an extensive facelift of the tennis centre, which is the home of the AEGON International tournament in June, which proceeds Wimbledon fortnight.
Nottingham-headquartered Focus Consultants, with offices in London, Leicester, Boston and Aubourn near Lincoln, was procured for the work at Eastbourne through the Fusion21 framework – a social enterprise that promotes public procurement as a means to save money and create social outcomes.
As well as being secured as project manager, the firm is also acting as CDM coordinator.
Focus, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary during 2014, offers a range of services in the construction and development sector, including funding and economic development, regeneration expertise, energy consultancy and chartered surveying services.
Since its creation in 1994, Focus has helped to secure more than £925 million of grant assistance for a range of projects and businesses across the UK and delivered more than £1.0 billion worth of projects and programmes – making it one of the most successful businesses of its kind in the country.
It has worked on a range of high-profile projects in the arts, heritage and tourism sector, including some of the major museums across the UK, and important historical and ecclesiastical sites.
Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Councillor David Tutt, said: “I’m delighted our masterplan for a new, vibrant Devonshire Park has taken another step forward. It is an extremely exciting project which will make Eastbourne an even more attractive place to live and visit for many years to come.”
Leader of the opposition, Councillor David Elkin, said: “The Devonshire Park project is an amazing opportunity to restore the theatre area of Eastbourne to its former glory, and truly enhance the level of offer available to both residents and visitors to our town. I look forward with great anticipation to its completion.”
