Bandstand to reopen by summer

11:00am Sunday 22nd June 2008

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The restoration of a historic seafront bandstand has moved a step closer.

Planning permission for the restoration of the Grade II listed building has been granted by Brighton and Hove City Council.

The news has been welcomed by campaigners who have battled to save the dilapidated bandstand.

Brighton-based architects DRP have been appointed to lead the project on Brighton seafront.

The firm, based in Upper Lewes Road, will oversee the £850,000 scheme to return the crumbling landmark to its former glory.

The application includes change of use of the ground floor and basement from public conveniences and storage to a cafÈ.

The top part of the bandstand will be restored to stage concerts and other events and the adjoining area improved and enhanced.

Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, cabinet member for environment, said: "We were very impressed with the planning application submitted by DRP, which included a state of the art three-dimensional survey.

"Our officers demanded the highest possible standards and the survey has helped produce an excellent scheme.

"Restoration of the bandstand is a priority for this council so it's wonderful news the application has now been approved which will move the project onto the next stage.

"The bandstand is of historic and cultural importance to our city and much loved by our residents, so we are looking forward to returning this jewel in the seafront crown back to its former glory."

The bandstand, situated close to the West Pier, is a listed building that dates back to 1884.

It has been derelict for 30 years and a series of bids to renovate the structure have failed.

The council bid for £500,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with another £300,000 set aside from council coffers.

But the application faced a series of setbacks and the council decided earlier this year to fund the project itself.

Patricia Horne, founder of Save our Brighton Bandstand, compiled a petition of more than 1,000 signatures in support of the bandstand.

She said: "We were disappointed that work did not start in Spring as we had hoped.

"The council has worked hard and I am delighted that at last this laborious process has produced some good results.

"We will continue to host concerts at the bandstand site to keep it in the public eye. The sooner it is restored the better."

Tenders to carry out the restoration are now being submitted and work is expected to start later this year.

It is hoped the bandstand will be open by summer next year.