Focus
Consultants has been appointed to oversee a £35 million masterplan project in
Eastbourne which will breathe new life into the town’s major attractions.
The scheme aims to refurbish three listed theatres and the
international tennis centre, as well as build a new conference centre, to
create world-class tourism, cultural and business facilities.
Funding and
regeneration experts at Focus Consultants have been secured to project manage
the Devonshire Park development, and are currently in the process of appointing
a design team to create concept designs for the project. These are likely to be
put before decision-makers at Eastbourne Borough Council next Spring.
“This is a
major redevelopment not only for Eastbourne but for Focus Consultants too,”
said Eleanor Clarke, senior consultant at Focus. “It’s a key project
that is scheduled to create a range of benefits for the town and for the area,
and we are very pleased to be part of the team that will bring this scheme to
reality.”
The ambitious plans include essential repairs to and a
complete refurbishment of the Congress Theatre, Winter Garden, a new conference
centre between them and an extensive facelift of the tennis centre, which is
the home of the AEGON International tournament
in June, which proceeds Wimbledon fortnight.
Nottingham-headquartered
Focus Consultants, with offices in London, Leicester, Boston and Aubourn near
Lincoln, was procured for the work at Eastbourne through the Fusion21 framework
- a social enterprise that promotes public procurement as a
means to save money and create social outcomes.
As well as being secured as project manager, the firm is
also acting as CDM coordinator.
Focus, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary
during 2014, offers a range of services in the construction and development
sector, including funding and economic development, regeneration expertise, energy
consultancy and chartered surveying services.
Since its creation in 1994, Focus has helped to secure more than £925 million of grant
assistance for a range of projects and businesses across the UK and
delivered more than £1.0 billion worth of projects and programmes – making it
one of the most successful businesses of its kind in the country.
It has worked on a range of high-profile projects in the
arts, heritage and tourism sector, including some of the major museums across
the UK, and important historical and ecclesiastical sites.
Leader of Eastbourne
Borough Council, Councillor David Tutt, said: “I’m delighted our
masterplan for a new, vibrant Devonshire Park has taken another step forward.
It is an extremely exciting project which will make Eastbourne an even more
attractive place to live and visit for many years to come.”
Leader of the
opposition, Councillor David Elkin, said: "The Devonshire Park
project is an amazing opportunity to restore the theatre area of Eastbourne to
its former glory, and truly enhance the level of offer available to both
residents and visitors to our town. I look forward with great anticipation to
its completion.”
Press release issued by Nottingham PR company Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk
