Cafe culture for Eastbourne town centre unachievable unless council rethinks

The third phase of the town centre redevelopment – a joint venture by East Sussex and Eastbourne councils – will see a further stretch of Terminus Road pedestrianised, from Bolton Road to Langney Road.

But business owners in Bolton Road are unhappy as they say the current plans will mean vehicles will use their street as a turning circle and that in turn will hamper the plans to introduce a ‘cafe culture’ to the area.

A petition has now been set up to ask the leading authority – East Sussex County Council – to rethink the plans.

Andy Spirou at Urban Ground, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, said, “We welcome the efforts of the council to improve this road as part of the latest town centre redevelopment.

“One of the purposes of the new town centre developments is to encourage a café culture in our town.

“As one of the established cafes, it therefore seems strange that at present, the plans include a loading bay outside our café and to permit vehicles to use the outside of the premises to turn.

“We want to work positively with the council as it finalises plans, however, we do feel that without revisions, this is a missed opportunity.

“We also know the strength of feeling within the area.”

A spokesperson at East Sussex County Council said, “To ensure all views were considered, a public consultation was carried out on Phase 2 of the proposals for the Eastbourne Town Centre Movement & Access package before they were agreed.

“We are always happy to receive further feedback on the proposals and encourage those businesses with concerns to get in touch with us directly.”

People can sign the petition at any of the hospitality venues in Bolton Road.