Eastbourne Claremont Hotel owners apologise to affected traders – and give demolition update

The owners of Eastbourne’s Claremont Hotel have apologised to traders whose business has been affected.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Daish’s Holidays says it sympathises with business owners whose livelihoods have been hit by the road closures following the hotel fire.

The company said in a statement, “We sympathise with the concerns of the Eastbourne traders who have been affected by the seafront road closures as a result of the Claremont Hotel fire.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We are doing what we can to find a resolution and to get the road reopened and fully functional. As with incidents such as this, we have to follow a complex process which can take some time.

Alan FraserrAlan Fraserr
Alan Fraserr

“The local community and traders have been very supportive and patient throughout this period and we sincerely thank for them that.”

The Claremont Hotel was all but destroyed in a devastating fire which broke out on November 22, 2019.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Due to the architectural significance of the building, Listed Building consent was required to fully demolish it.

The Claremont Hotel in Eastbourne today (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-201202-095103008The Claremont Hotel in Eastbourne today (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-201202-095103008
The Claremont Hotel in Eastbourne today (Photo by Jon Rigby) SUS-201202-095103008

This was given on February 7 and demolition began on February 10.

Storms Ciara and Dennis over the two following weekends caused further collapse to the south and west elevations.

These further collapses weakened the party wall between the Claremont and Burlington hotel.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

According to Daish, this requires an exercise to stabilise the party wall and Burlington wall, which has become the priority job and a pre-requisite to continuing with the demolition.

The stabilisation works require agreement with the both the Claremont’ and Burlington’s insurers on issues of both costs, contractors and the insured risks associated with these extra works.

Such agreements are still to be reached but Daish said today (March 11) it is hoped these will be concluded within the next 48 hours and in particular the Burlington’s agreement to the works.

The demolition contractor can then carry out the stabilisation works as a first job and then to conclude the demolition works, securely hoard the site and re-open Grand Parade.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Daish said, “Within these works all parties are prioritising the re-opening of Grand Parade, however we still cannot give an exact date for this, but as soon as we have agreement with all parties to proceed with the works in the Burlington we will issue an update.”