Hotel and cinema as Pavilion goes back to the future

Regeneration body the Hastings and Bexhill Task Force has identified a need for a four-star, 60-bedroom hotel as well as upgraded retail, leisure and commercial facilities to attract holiday and business tourism to the town.

And Task Force director John Shaw told the Observer that new development at the De La Warr must be the focus of regeneration in Bexhill - harking back to the original designs drawn by Erich Mendelsohon and Serge Chermayeff 70 years ago, which planned for a large hotel adjacent to the Pavilion's west wing.

The bold concept has been backed by De La Warr trustees.

Mr Shaw told Rother councillors: "Regeneration of the town centre and seafront is one of the key features of the Five Point Plan package. The De La Warr is the major town centre and seafront focus for residents but currently it's of little significance to the local economy or employment market.

"As a cultural venue it's fine, but to produce a real step change and introduce investment into Bexhill the De La Warr needs a seven-day function. I see it as a major conference venue offering leisure and retail in the week and as an arts and cultural venue at weekends to attract the mini-break market."

He told the Observer: "A new hotel has to be part of the option, either on-site or very near.