EASTBOURNE’S Tourist Information Centre (TIC) is set to relocate to the town’s iconic Towner Eastbourne art gallery in a move designed to strengthen the promotion of the town’s cultural, arts and heritage offer.
The service will move from its current base at the Welcome Building to the gallery in the Devonshire Quarter from April 1.
Town leaders say the relocation will place visitor services at the heart of Eastbourne’s cultural district, just a short distance from the seafront and surrounded by key arts venues, helping to better connect visitors with the town’s creative and historic attractions.
Councillor Jenny Williams, Eastbourne Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Tourism and Place, said the move represents a significant step forward for the town’s visitor experience.
She said: “By moving the Tourist Information Centre to Towner, we are bringing together expert guidance, cultural excellence and a warm Eastbourne welcome under one roof.
“The new location will strengthen how we jointly promote the town’s arts, heritage and attractions, creating a more connected and compelling experience for the people who visit our wonderful town.”
The Tourist Information Centre will continue to act as the main hub for visitors seeking guidance on what to see and do in the town. Staff will provide information about local attractions, accommodation, travel options and events across Eastbourne and the surrounding area.
Council leaders say the move also reflects changing visitor habits, with many tourists now seeking cultural experiences and curated local recommendations when planning their time in the town.
The relocation builds on the TIC’s move closer to the seafront over the past year — something the council says visitors had previously requested.
Councillor Williams added that positioning the service within Towner will allow the council and cultural partners to work more closely together in promoting Eastbourne as a destination for arts, heritage and seaside tourism.
Meanwhile, theatre ticket sales will remain available at the Welcome Building box office.
Niamh Peace, interim co-director at Towner Eastbourne, said the gallery was looking forward to welcoming visitors through its doors in the new role.
She said: “We very much look forward to taking on this important civic role, extending a warm Towner welcome to visitors to Eastbourne from near and far, helping them to get the most from their visit and encouraging engagement with all that Eastbourne and the surrounding area has to offer.”
The TIC is expected to begin operating from its new home at Towner Eastbourne from the start of April.
