On its 90th Birthday – De La Warr Pavilion and Rother District Council awarded £7.6 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund
On its 90th Birthday – De La Warr Pavilion and Rother District Council awarded £7.6 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to complete the essential first phase of landmark restoration and transformation project.
Celebrating its 90th birthday on 12th December, The De La Warr Pavilion and partner Rother District Council are delighted to announce that the Pavilion has been awarded £7,646,425 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver Phase 1 of “An Icon for Everyone” a landmark £51.9 million masterplan project to restore and reimagine Britain’s first modernist multi-arts centre.
This transformational funding will enable the De La Warr Pavilion, working in partnership with Rother District Council, to begin urgent heritage conservation and capital works that safeguard the Grade I listed building and expand its role as a place for community, creativity and skills across the region and nationally.
The award marks a major milestone for the Pavilion’s 90th anniversary year and follows cornerstone significant investment from the UK Government and Rother District Council, alongside generous support from Arts Council England, East Sussex County Council, The Foyle Foundation, Suzy Eddie Izzard, The Chalk Cliff Trust and many private donors.
A new chapter for a ‘People’s Pavilion’
Commissioned in 1935 by the 9th Earl De La Warr and designed by pioneering architects Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff, the Pavilion was envisioned as a “People’s Palace” an embodiment of modernist ideals of innovation, equality and cultural access. Nearly a century later, it remains a beacon of creativity and social vision on the Bexhill seafront, welcoming more than 350,000 visitors each year.
However, after decades of exposure to the coastal environment, the Pavilion faces critical conservation challenges including roof leaks, corroding windows and ageing infrastructure that threaten both its fabric and its mission.
Designed by award-winning architects Haworth Tompkins with input from local people and delivered in partnership with RDC, Phase 1 of the masterplan will address these urgent heritage repairs while improving accessibility, creating new learning and community spaces, and embedding sustainability at every level.
Transforming heritage into opportunity
Building on significant investment from the UK government and additional support from Rother District Council this investment from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will unlock the Pavilion’s potential to serve as a regional driver for creativity, skills and regeneration by widening access to culture, generating local employment and strengthening Bexhill’s economy.
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“This project will conserve and celebrate this modernist jewel, connecting the community and visitors to the heritage of one of Britain’s most important modernist landmarks as it celebrates its 90th Birthday.
“It will improve accessibility to the building and provide opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in heritage, learn new creative skills and be part of the journey to bring this internationally significant building to life for generations to come.
“Thanks to National Lottery players our funding will support the first stage of the restoration of the De La Warr Pavillion. It will shine a light on its architectural and social history, securing its place as a vibrant creative hub to build pride in place and make sure heritage is cared for and sustained for everyone now and in the future.”
Stewart Drew, CEO and Director of the De La Warr Pavilion, said:
“This award is a transformational moment for the Pavilion and for Bexhill. The Pavilion has always been more than a building. It was created as a bold symbol of progress, a space where architecture, culture and community come together. This project is about protecting that vision, while transforming the Pavilion to meet the challenges of the future – from sustainability to social impact. Our aim is to secure the Pavilion’s place as an iconic cultural hub for the Southeast for the next 100 years. We are profoundly grateful to National Lottery players for making this possible.”
Doug Oliver, Leader of Rother District Council, said:
“The De La Warr Pavilion is at the heart of our cultural and civic identity. This ambitious project protects a nationally important modernist icon while creating new opportunities for our residents, transforming valued heritage into a place for skills, jobs, creativity, and wellbeing. Rother District Council is proud to stand alongside our partners in ensuring the Pavilion not only honours its remarkable heritage, but also drives progress, sustainability, and prosperity for future generations.”
About the project – Phase 1 key focus areas
• Heritage conservation – Repairing roofs, windows and building fabric to safeguard the Pavilion’s Grade I-listed architecture.
• Access and inclusion – Improving accessibility, circulation and facilities for visitors, artists and staff.
• Learning and community – Creating new spaces for creative learning, skills training and community engagement.
• Sustainability – Introducing low-carbon heating infrastructure, renewable energy systems and water efficiency measures to support Net Zero targets.
• Organisational resilience – Strengthening the Pavilion’s capacity to deliver world-class cultural and learning programmes sustainably.
• Creativity and activity – Working with communities and partners to deliver heritage focused creative programming locally.
Jay Carroll, Chair of Heart of Sidley, said:
“Heart of Sidley is thrilled to continue our partnership with the De La Warr Pavilion through this The National Lottery Heritage Fund support. The funding will help us bring creative and heritage focused opportunities directly to our community and ensure local voices play an important part in the future of the Pavilion.”
Next steps
Some advance works will begin in 2026; however, the De La Warr Pavilion will still present a full programme of exhibitions and events throughout the year. Details of a starting date for the main building works are still to be confirmed but DLWP intends to remain partially open throughout the construction period to engage visitors and support local businesses. The completion of extensive works in Phase 1 will pave the way for the full £51.9 million masterplan (DLWP is seeking further funding to complete phases 2 & 3), ensuring that the Pavilion can thrive as an international cultural landmark and community anchor for the next 100 years.
