HomeHistoryCommunityArchitectureFundersJoin usNewsPress
The New Towner Trust
Eastbourne's Devonshire Park
Rick Mather Architects

Devonshire Park

 
Drawing of Devonshire Park showing the new Cultural Centre, the Congress Theatre and the Winter Garden.
Elevation showing the new Art Gallery in the Cultural Centre with existing buildings (the Congress Theatre, the Congress Suite and the Winter Garden)

Devonshire Park was opened in 1874 as a recreational facility for the residents of Eastbourne on land set aside by the Duke of Devonshire, close to Eastbourne's historic and celebrated seafront.   The Devonshire Park is the main centre for cultural activity in the town, with the largest performing arts complex in the South, made up of :

  • Congress Theatre - Grade II* listed
  • Winter Garden - Grade II listed
  • Devonshire Park Theatre - Grade II* listed

Devonshire Park also accommodates conferences and exhibitions, as well as playing host to the annual Lawn Tennis Association International Tennis Competition prior to the ladies competition at Wimbledon.

This project brings together a number of key elements under one roof and creates a very special place in Eastbourne.  Designed by the internationally acclaimed Rick Mather Architects (www.rickmather.com), this building will be home to the re-located Towner Art Collection, provide spaces for education and learning and bring visual art and culture to completely new audiences.  Alongside these components will be two exhibition halls for conference and community use, a shop and a second floor café with sun terrace with views of the Sussex Downs and Devonshire Park.

Rick Mather Architects aim to provide a landmark building responsive to its site, complementing the architecture of Devonshire Park through the design of a new building that is a reflection of its time and functions as a natural extension of the existing facilities.