Work has begun on Devonshire Quarter’s new multi-million pound Welcome Building which is being created to reinforce Eastbourne’s reputation as a premier conference destination. It will provide conference halls, break out and hospitality areas, the site’s central box office, a café with views across the lawns and a fully accessible entrance to the Congress Theatre and Winter Garden, including lifts to every floor.
A piling rig is being operated on site to dig 600 holes, each up to 20 metres deep and between 60cm and 75cm in diameter. To keep noise to a minimum, an auger system – similar to a large corkscrew – is being used rather than pile driving.
Meanwhile, major refurbishments are continuing inside the Congress Theatre to reinstate and enhance the stylish interior that was present when it opened in 1963 and replace the old heating system and air conditioning.
