A much-loved heritage centre could close and an art gallery faces cuts in a raft of cost-cutting survival measures. Eastbourne Borough Council is due to make almost £6 million in “unavoidable” savings due to an “unprecedented strain on council finances”. On September 18, it will consider a range of options to make budget savings.
These include the immediate closure of Beachy Head’s heritage centre, The Beachy Head Story, where visitors can learn about the history of the South Downs. The centre has been described as “a wonderful space” with “a real touch of magic”, with a range of “beautifully displayed exhibits”. Also on the list of considerations is a “significant” reduction in funding for the Towner, an art gallery in Devonshire Park, Eastbourne.
The Towner, an art gallery in Eastbourne, could lose funding (Image: Google) Other options include “the transfer of operation of conferencing and catering at Devonshire Quarter, changes to the operation of the theatres, sales of assets and further efficiencies in events and seafront services”. A second round of savings will then be reviewed on November 13, including changes to the swimming provision at the Sovereign Centre, alternative arrangements for public convenience, changes to rent support and council grants to voluntary and community organisations, as well as increases in car parking charges. Impact assessments are being carried out on the removal of grants and rent support.
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