Black Robin Farm Plans Scaled Back in Disappointing Blow for Eastbourne
IT was supposed to be big for Eastbourne – really big – but alas that seems no longer…
Black Robin Farm near Beachy Head was the huge vision to boost our economy – and indeed of surrounding towns and villages.
But now it is being scaled back – and that has to be very bad news.
This was the plan:
Black Robin Farm – to become a world-class culture and education centre in the unique landscape of the South Downs National Park.
Communities and visitors would come together at this new and unique venue among outstanding nature and the cultural heritage of the downlands.
The building design, by architects Feilden Fowles, had just been submitted for planning approval for spring 2024, following Eastbourne Borough Council’s successful £19.8 million bid to the government’s Levelling Up Fund.
The new venue would connect the Sussex Heritage Coast’s iconic landmarks of Beachy Head, Birling Gap, Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Haven. With new walking, cycling and sustainable transport routes between the sites, it aimed to become an important destination for the 1 million national and international visitors to the region each year.
The rolling chalk downlands would be present through public artworks in the landscape, exhibitions, creative activities and courses, artist and maker events and a high quality, locally sourced and sustainable food and drink offer.
It all sounds so great – and it is questionable whether the people of Eastbourne really backed the idea. Many still don’t.
Journalists have been asking for a while now – what’s happening? Is everything on track? Yes, the Eastbourne Reporter was told in September.
Now we know the truth – and the truth is bitterly disappointing.
Everything is being scaled back. The scheme will now be proceeding as a “phased delivery”.
Council Leader Stephen Holt said: “The cost challenges have been immense, particularly post-Covid and that is why, I think it is fair to say, it is not the original proposal.”
There will still be a gallery with the associated plant, car parking, cycle parking, and service infrastructure.
Some of it will still happen.
Much of it won’t.
And that is a huge letdown for us all in Eastbourne.
This is what former Joe Hill, CEO and Director, Towner Eastbourne, said: “We are delighted to be leading on this project with Eastbourne Borough Council – it will allow us to deliver an ambitious artistic and educational programme situated in – and around – the nineteenth century dairy farm set in the stunning and unique landscape of the South Downs National Park.
“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.”
Joe has now moved on – I imagine he too is bitterly disappointed.
Image credits: Black Robin Farm approach. Image: Fielden Fowles.
