Changes to Egerton Park

Since its creation in the late 1800's in order to help promote Bexhill as a fashionable seaside resort, Egerton Park has seen many changes including the loss of many of it's features; the much-loved swimming baths, the tennis lawns, the bandstand, concert pavilion and theatre. Activity in what was once a vibrant centre for cultural and recreational activity in the town has declined, and with it, the aesthetic quality of the Park.

Landscape and heritage specialists, Atkins are working with Rother District Council to plan improvements to Egerton Park that are sensitive to the heritage of the Park and in a way that brings its history, and that of the town alive. At the same time, any changes need to take into account the needs of today's community so that the Park is an exciting and attractive place with a range of 21st century recreational opportunities.

Many of Bexhill's residents have memories of past events and times spent in the Park. The Atkins team urge people to share their stories and old photos of the Park so they can fully understand what it has meant to local people over years gone by and whether any of the features and facilities lost over the years should be reintroduced, be it in a traditional or modern form.

Local people are invited to come along any time between 9.30am and 5pm to either the De La Warr Pavilion on Friday 27th October or St. Andrew's Church Hall, Wickham Avenue on Saturday 28th October to chat informally with the team.

For people who would like to make suggestions about improving the Park, questionnaires will be available to complete on the day or take away. These questionnaires can also be accessed on-line via www.greenstat.org.uk, or the Council's website at www.rother.gov.uk/egerton and are available at public places around the town centre.

For further information about E.P.I.C. (Egerton Park Innovation and Conservation), the project to regenerate your local park, contact Rebecca Owen, Parks Development Officer on 01424 787522 or [email protected].