A £34.5 million redevelopment project has transformed Devonshire Park in Eastbourne, creating a nationally important cultural, sporting and tennis destination in the heart of the town.
The ambitious two-year project involved the restoration and improvement of this historic site, bringing together modern facilities with the careful conservation of its existing listed buildings.
A Major Redevelopment for Devonshire Park
The Devonshire Park redevelopment included a wide-ranging programme of construction, restoration and improvement works designed to enhance the facilities available to visitors, businesses, residents and sporting organisations.
The project included:
- New state-of-the-art conference space and restaurant and café facilities
- Restoration of three listed buildings
- Upgrades to facilities throughout the existing buildings
- Improved tennis facilities
- A distinctive new park entrance
- New and improved public spaces and landscaping
The improvements were designed to strengthen Devonshire Park’s position as one of Eastbourne’s most important cultural and sporting destinations while protecting the character and heritage of the site.
Delivering Construction Works Within a Live Site
One of the most significant challenges of the Devonshire Park project was delivering a major programme of construction works while keeping the park operational.
Careful planning, coordination and project management were essential to minimise disruption and ensure that areas of the site could continue to function safely throughout the construction programme.
The works also needed to be coordinated around major events taking place in Eastbourne, including the Eastbourne International tennis tournament and the town’s annual airshow.
Working within an active public site required close consideration of access, safety, construction logistics and programme management at every stage of the project.
Combining Heritage with Modern Facilities
With three listed buildings forming part of the redevelopment, the project required a considered approach to conservation alongside the introduction of modern facilities.
The completed redevelopment brings together restored historic architecture, improved public spaces and upgraded sporting, hospitality and conference facilities, helping secure Devonshire Park’s future as a prominent destination for Eastbourne and the wider region.