The De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill, the seafront art deco building lauded as one of Britain's architectural gems, is closing for a multi-million pound refit.

Work costing more than £6 million and lasting a year will begin at the landmark early next year.

Scaffolding has already been erected on parts of the Grade I-listed Thirties structure, Britain's first major steel-frame building.

The venue will close on December 14 after an initial proposal to keep it open during refurbishment was ditched.

The pavilion, opened by the Duke and Duchess of York in 1935, will have its exterior and surrounding landscape restored.

There are also plans for new features, including a studio, bar, caf and restaurant with access to a rooftop terrace.

More than £6 million has been secured to finance the redevelopment thanks to help from the lottery and several other sources.

It is hoped the work will turn the already-renowned pavilion into an important centre for contemporary art and live performance in the South-East.

Leading architects John McAslan and Partners, who recently built a library for Imperial College in London, are to oversee the work.