Plans to create a multi-million pound culture complex have taken a step forward thanks to a £2 million grant.

Arts Council officials announced Eastbourne had won the sum to help build an £8.5 million community cultural centre at Devonshire Park.

The project would involve relocating paintings and sculptures from the Towner Art Gallery in High Street, Old Town, to the new purpose-built contemporary building.

Permanent and temporary art displays, an exhibition hall, business conferences and space for community use will all be housed at the site, opposite the Congress Theatre.

The venture was approved by Eastbourne Borough Council in July last year but plans hit financial trouble and the scheme went £1.5 million into the red.

To plug the deficit, council bosses agreed to halt work on the Congress Theatre and Winter Garden, costing £1,360,000 over four years.

More than £4 million has already been granted from the South-East England Development Agency (Seeda) and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

A further £800,000 will come from the sale of the Towner Art Gallery's 18th Century manor house building, while the remainder will be sought from private investors and charitable trusts.

Some people have misgivings about the closure of the Towner, which houses a collection of Victorian art.

However, council bosses heralded the £2 million award and said the cultural centre would boost tourism and become a focus for learning for all ages.

Council leader Beryl Healy said: "This represents a massive vote of confidence in Eastbourne by a key organisation.

"The Arts Council recognises the rich and vibrant appeal our town holds.

"These are exciting times for Eastbourne that will further enhance our national profile."

Building work is expected to begin early next summer and the complex is expected to open in mid-2006.

Friday June 27, 2003