The business case driven project improved the leisure and conferencing facilities, including refurbishment of the Grade II Devonshire Park Theatre and Winter Gardens, the Grade II* Congress Theatre, construction of new build Welcome Building with state of the art conferencing facilities and an international Tennis Centre with world class tennis courts and public realm.
Focus started the project with a scoping study, through brief refinement, statutory consents, to Cabinet approvals. Focus maintained a Partnership Group throughout that engaged key stakeholders including Historic England, Theatres Trust, LTA, amenity societies and local history and access groups. Focus ran various PCR 2015 compliant procurement processes as the project was split into multiple Works, Supplies, and Services contracts. Focus oversaw the project on site through fit out to doors open.
The new facilities opened with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and continue to attract international touring shows. Facilities part funded by the LTA have helped secure the annual return of the men’s and women’s international tennis tournaments to Eastbourne, a vital tourism generator.
