Seafront De La Warr Pavilion to Save Iconic Modernist Staircase Glazing Through Critical Refurbishment Works

Specialist heritage contractor, Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS), will undertake a comprehensive refurbishment of the De La Warr Pavilion’s iconic staircase glazing, helping to preserve the Grade I listed modernist building. The works form part of the Pavilion’s major transformation project, An Icon For Everyone, delivered in partnership with Rother District Council and designed by Haworth Tompkins, the multi-award-winning architects recently shortlisted for the 2026 RIBA Stirling Prize, in consultation with local communities.

Conceived by the visionary Earl De La Warr and designed by pioneering architects Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff, the De La Warr Pavilion opened in 1935 and was inspired by modernist civic and social ideals of mind, body and soul.

A distinctive feature of this architectural icon is the north and south staircases, an Erich Mendelsohn signature feature, that can also be seen in buildings such as Cohen House in London to the Metalworkers Union building in Berlin. An international effort called the Erich Mendelsohn Initiative is preparing a transnational serial nomination for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, bringing together significant architectural works by Erich Mendelsohn in multiple countries.

Today, the De La Warr Pavilion faces the dual challenge of its 1930s construction and an unforgiving seafront location. The north and south staircases are now in disrepair with cracks in the curved glass windows expanding with every storm, while many of the original metal-framed, single-glazed windows show signs of corrosion and cracking, resulting in poor levels of airtightness. Critical refurbishment works are now required to safeguard the Pavilion, preserve its architectural significance, and ensure its long-term resilience as it approaches its centenary.

ASWS is undertaking the refurbishment of both bowed-plan staircase steel frame windows. The windows will be carefully removed and transported to ASWS’s Surrey workshop for repair and restoration alongside the installation of new steel ring beams, curved metal beading and new glazing. More than 60% of the workforce on this project is expected to come from the local area, creating valuable employment and heritage skills opportunities. TRAD Scaffolding has been appointed to provide site access, while a Hastings-based contractor is delivering internal partitioning and enabling works.

A phased programme of works has been carefully planned to ensure that the Pavilion remains open throughout this restoration, which is due to be completed in November 2026. While scaffolding will be in place and certain routes through the building will be temporarily adjusted, the Pavilion will continue to host a huge line-up of live music, comedy, exhibitions, alongside outdoor events on the terrace and free activities for the community.

Stewart Drew, CEO and Director, De La Warr Pavilion says:

“From local residents to visitors from across the world, people are often drawn to the De La Warr Pavilion’s distinctive modernist staircases. However, decades of use and exposure to the harsh coastal environment have led to deterioration, including cracked glazing and ageing materials.

We are delighted to be working with specialist steel window experts, ASWS, to restore and upgrade the staircase glazing. These improvements will not only enhance the visitor experience and preserve an iconic element of the Pavilion’s modernist design, but also improve the building’s performance, increase its long-term resilience and reduce its operational environmental impact.

This work will help ensure the Pavilion remains open, welcoming and accessible for our communities and future generations to enjoy.”

Kris Bennell, Operations Director, ASWS says:

“ASWS is delighted to be part of such an iconic and unique project at the De La Warr Pavilion. The restoration work at this Grade I listed project is exactly the type of project that ASWS has built its reputation on across the last 50 years. Our proposed works, that have been curated alongside Haworth Tompkins and EOC, are precisely what these two beautiful window systems need. The scope should bring the Pavilion into the modern era and protect it for future generations to enjoy whilst maintaining the fantastic historic systems. We are extremely excited to get the project started and to work alongside our sub-contractors, the De La Warr Pavilion project team and Rother District Council to deliver a fantastic project to help maintain this celebrated and legendary modernist building.”

This project is made possible through De La Warr Pavilion’s partnership with Rother District Council and the generous support of the UK Government, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Wolfson Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, The Chalk Cliff Trust, Foyle Foundation, and Suzy Eddie Izzard. This project is a key part of Transforming Heritage. Powering Community, a UK Government-funded partnership between Heart of Sidley, De La Warr Pavilion, and Rother District Council working together to create opportunities, inspiring pride of place and strengthening community life across Bexhill and Sidley.

De La Warr Pavilion are seeking donations and sponsorship to help support the costs of the glazing renovation. Major contributions can be recognised with naming rights and supporter plaques. For more information on donation, sponsorship and naming opportunities, contact De La Warr Pavilion’s Head of Development Jessica Cheetham on jessica.cheetham@dlwp.com.

Photo credits: De La Warr Pavilion. Photo by Jim Lineker. De La Warr Pavilion South Stairs. Photo by Burst Photos.

Posted by Cassandra Ash on Thursday 30 July 2026