Eastbourne Society ‘appalled’ by plans to demolish town’s former TJ Hughes building

A group dedicated to the town’s history has said it is ‘appalled’ by plans to knock down the former TJ Hughes building and dubbed it ‘nothing short of vandalism’.
The former TJ Hughes buildingThe former TJ Hughes building
The former TJ Hughes building

The Eastbourne Society has slammed the plans to raze the building, in Terminus Road, to the ground and replace it with a mixture of flats and shops.

The building, which dates back to 1925, has been empty since TJ Hughes closed down in May 2019.

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An Eastbourne Society spokesperson said, “We are appalled by the proposals for the demolition and replacement of the former TJ Hughes building.

An artist's impression of the planned developmentAn artist's impression of the planned development
An artist's impression of the planned development

“To tear down the original 1925 building and replace it with a brutalist block is nothing short of vandalism.

“Designed by P D Stonham - one of the leading architects of the day who ran his business in Eastbourne - this building is a landmark in the Seafront Conservation Area (which was deliberately extended around this building to give it extra protection) and contributes hugely to our town centre’s identity.

“Comments received during the ‘extensive pre-application consultation’, appear to have been ignored as the plan being put forward remains virtually unchanged.

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“To bulldoze our heritage and then suggest renaming it ‘Burlington Corner’ is at best insensitive and at worst utterly disrespectful.

“This plan, if accepted, will go a long way towards destroying the unique character of our town centre.

“We refuse this ugliness. Beautiful Eastbourne demands better. These plans must be stopped.”

The planning application was lodged with Eastbourne Borough Council last week, after a consultation.

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Real estate firm Capreon said it hopes for a ‘comprehensive regeneration’ of the disused department store.

A spokesman for the developer said, “The proposed mixed-use scheme would transform the site and optimise the use of previously developed land at a highly sustainable location.

“It would retain commercial uses and introduce much-needed housing, including affordable housing. The comprehensive regeneration of the site would help ensure that the vitality and viability of the town centre is maintained and enhanced.”