Eastbourne: Former dairy farm to be transformed into cultural hub

Black Robin Farm, which overlooks Eastbourne in the South Downs National Park, would host public artworks, creative courses as well as food and drinks.

Eastbourne Borough Council is paying for the project after it secured a £19.8 million grant from the government’s levelling up fund.

A planning application for the cultural hub has now been submitted.

Councillor Stephen Holt, leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said: “The government quickly identified the incredible opportunities within the council’s bid and so to now see that ambition translated into stunning images of what could follow, is hugely exciting for me.

Looking across the farm towards the ocean (Image: Feilden Fowles)

“I would also like to thank Joe Hill and his team at Towner Eastbourne for helping to spearhead this project.  We are incredibly fortunate to have such a brilliant team providing the future heartbeat of what Black Robin Farm is set to become.

“I feel like we are within touching distance of something really momentous for Eastbourne.”

East Sussex College is involved in the project and will deliver qualifications and skills training for young adults to support career development in the creative, leisure and tourism sectors.

Joe Hill, CEO and director, Towner Eastbourne, said: “Our ambition is to ensure genuinely inclusive access to art and culture through artist commissions and other professional development opportunities, skills development initiatives and creative engagement programmes for children and adults; especially those from Eastbourne’s most disadvantaged communities.

“Our vision is to change lives through high-quality creative and cultural experiences that raise aspirations, change career directions and improve life outcomes.”

The hub will host classes and other activities (Image: Feilden Fowles)

Caroline Ansell, MP for Eastbourne, said: “This little-known disused dairy farm in Eastbourne, nestled in the most downland glorious setting, is about to be transformed thanks to the government’s levelling up fund.

“Part of a successful £20 million pound bid to the fund, Black Robin Farm has been re-imagined as a top attraction to energise our visitor economy and to act as a place of learning and training for our children and young people.

"It will bring new apprenticeships, new jobs, new visitors, new recognition and new prosperity for our town.”

The council is also putting £7.6 million into Victoria Place which will be a pedestrian-friendly place and space for independent businesses.