Campaign to save Drill Hall

Bexhill Heritage is campaigning to save the town’s historic Drill Hall from demolition.

The Hall was built in 1914 for the local Territorial Artillery, Engineers, Rifles and Yeomanry and has enjoyed military associations ever since. The Bexhill Drill Hall is now one of very few such buildings remaining in south-east England, according to the charity.

Bexhill Heritage has submitted plans showing how the historic front section of the hall might be retained as an integral part of the ambitious hotel and leisure centre development proposed by Rother District Council.

“We understand that it’s always more straightforward to build on a cleared site” said Raymond Konyn, Bexhill Heritage’s Chairman. “But it’s far more important to avoid losing another of the town’s heritage assets. The Drill Hall would add quality and interest to the council’s proposed ‘Destination Leisure’ development. Our plans show how this could work. We envisage that the building could be used as part of the hotel, as a conference centre, for housing (including affordable homes) and for other community uses that may include a tourist or heritage centre. We’re in touch with leading councillors to find ways of achieving a first-class leisure development while also respecting Bexhill’s proud heritage.”

Published on Friday 8th March 2019 by the Bexhill Observer, page 5.
https://www.bexhillobserver.net/news/campaign-launched-to-save-bexhill-drill-hall-from-demolition-1-8837180