Plans have been unveiled to transform the former Claremont Hotel site on Eastbourne’s seafront into a high-quality residential development.
The proposal, which include 65 new apartments, aims to breathe new life into the site while respecting the character and heritage of the surrounding area.
If given approval, an estimate of 18 months has been given for the development to be built with the first occupants expected to move into the building in ‘early 2028.’
The Claremont Hotel, once a prominent feature of Eastbourne’s seafront, was devastated by a fire in November 2019. Structural damage worsened during Storm Ciara in early 2020, leading to the building’s demolition later that year.
Developers are now proposing a modern, energy-efficient, residential scheme that will meet local housing needs and enhance the visual appeal of the area.
A statement via Eastbourne Borough Council states ‘the design promises to be sensitive to its surroundings, incorporating landscaping and sustainable building standards.’
Residents are invited to attend, view the proposals, and share their feedback. The event is part of a broader effort to keep the community informed and involved as the plans progress.
Steve Neocleous, director of SMN Planning & Development Support, said: “We feel sure that Eastbourne residents will welcome the news that plans to redevelop the site that has been a blight on Eastbourne’s landscape for so long, will be submitted to the council as soon as possible.
“We look forward to welcoming Eastbourne residents on Thursday 2nd October when there will be an opportunity to look at the proposals for the redevelopment of the former Claremont Hotel site and ask questions of the project team. ”
More information and an opportunity to comment online are available at claremontsite.co.uk
On the Frequently Asked Questions section of the website, there are the following questions and answers:
Q: Why are you proposing flats and not another hotel?
A: Councillors and council officers have insisted that the redevelopment scheme for the site should faithfully recreate the principal elevations of the building before the fire. This can be achieved but the cost of constructing such a project will be high and a hotel use would simply not create the returns to support such a development. Flats would, however, achieve the required returns to support the project. The scheme will still support the wider economy by bringing more people to live in the town centre.
Q: Why can’t affordable housing be included?
A: Restoring the historic façade is a complex and costly process. These restoration costs mean there is no financial viability for affordable housing on this site. If affordable housing was required here, the restoration could not go ahead at all and the site would risk remaining derelict. The priority is ensuring Eastbourne gets its landmark building back.
Q: How will the building look?
A: The frontage, and side elevation, will be carefully rebuilt to match the historic design, reinstating the rhythm and character of Eastbourne’s seafront. Inside, the building will be fully modernised to create high quality, sustainable homes.
Q: Will this benefit the wider town?
A: Yes. Restoring this important site will boost confidence in the seafront and support nearby shops, cafés, and businesses. It will also create jobs during construction and generate long-term investment through new residents and council tax contributions.
Q: When will work start?
A: The planning application is the first step. If approved, detailed designs and construction plans will follow, with work beginning as soon as practical to bring this key site back to life.
Q: How many parking spaces will there be for these apartments?
A: There is no car parking allocation proposed for the units. This was further to concerns expressed by the council in relation to increased car movements in and out of the site. Paid off-street parking is available to the south west, behind the site. There will be an allocation of 88 secure cycle spaces to the ground floor.
Q: How long will it take to build?
A: We estimate approximately 18 months.
Q: How much disruption will it cause?
A: Disruption to traffic and the town will be minimised as much as possible through carefully considered phasing of the construction process and material deliveries will be timed to minimise disruption as much as practicable. There will be a construction management plan in place as part of the planning conditions.
