Almost £2 million has been pledged to build a striking cultural complex in a seaside town.

The £1.96 million award yesterday announced by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) means funding is finally in place to create the Eastbourne Cultural Centre.

The scheme involves 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, next to the Congress Theatre.

Eastbourne Borough Council officials hope it will become a 21st Century cultural hub that will be the envy of the arts scene in the South-East.

The central location, coupled with new programmes and more space, is expected to double the number of visitors to the gallery.

Martin Ray, the council's chief executive, said: "It's a very exciting time for the culture scene in Eastbourne and the size of the award demonstrates the national importance of this project."

Councillor David Tutt said: "When completed the cultural centre will provide not only an excellent new home for the Towner collection.

"In addition to this it will establish a focal point for the community and complement the facilities we can offer to visiting conferences that support the economy."

The Towner Art Gallery is currently based in an 18th Century building. However, alterations needed to improve conditions for its nationally-acclaimed collection could not be made without damaging the important listed building.

The collections include a cross-section of 20th Century British artists from Christopher Wood and Eric Ravillious to Peter Lanyon and Ian Hamilton-Finlay.

Planning approval for the centre, which will also house three community activity rooms, was granted in December and the South-East England Development Agency and Arts Council England have pledged cash.

The council will be providing the site as well as £800,000 from the sale of the Towner's old home in Old Town.

Work is due to start in the summer and be completed by 2007.

Council leader Graham Marsden said: "I look forward to 2007 when the centre will become a prestigious location for not only art exhibitions but also as a centre for community activity and a conference resource."