A decade of investment shaped by local voices
We’re pleased to share that the Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board has submitted our comprehensive 10-year Regeneration Plan and outline 4-year Investment Plan to the UK Government. This milestone represents months of listening, learning, and working together to shape a vision for Eastbourne’s future. The Regeneration Plan will be published after Ministers have approved it.
Shaped by You
Many residents attended neighbourhood workshops across our town’s wards. Seventy local businesses shared their challenges and aspirations. Young people told us what they need to build their futures here and community groups showed us the incredible work they’re already doing, often with limited resources. And we’re receiving ideas daily from our online survey.
What emerged is clear: five connected priorities that matter most – investing in people and families; community wellbeing; economic growth and skills; enhancing our leisure and visitor experience; and protecting our parks and natural environment.
A Progressive, People-First Approach
Our plan isn’t just about the regeneration of buildings. It’s about creating real opportunities for people who need them most – families facing poverty, people seeking accessible and well-paid work, older residents who want to stay active and connected, and neighbourhoods ready to lead change themselves.
It focuses on tangible improvements to everyday life: skills training that opens doors to better jobs, safer and brighter streets, health and wellness programmes across all ages and abilities, community-led projects that bring neighbours together, and protecting the parks and natural spaces that make Eastbourne special.
It’s about building an economy where wealth stays local, where businesses can grow, and where residents of all ages and abilities have the chance to thrive.
What This Could Mean
If approved, the initial 4-year tranche of the total £20 million over ten years will enable immediate skills training and employment support, improvements to town centre spaces, enhanced accessibility and safety measures, wellbeing programmes for families and older people, youth facilities including an innovative Beach School concept, and ward-level community projects addressing everything from social isolation to food poverty.
A Message from Our Chair
Richard Garland, Chair of the Eastbourne Neighbourhood Board, said:
“This Plan has been shaped by the people of Eastbourne. We’ve listened to residents in every ward, to families struggling with the cost of living, to young people seeking opportunity, to older residents who want to stay active and connected, and to community groups supporting those most in need.
“What we’ve heard is clear: people want opportunities that reach everyone, not just a fortunate few. This £20 million investment would be transformational – creating pathways to quality employment, supporting families, enabling older people to live full and healthy lives, and empowering neighbourhoods to lead the projects that matter to them.
“This is about making a real difference to everyday lives. We’re building an economy and a community where everyone can thrive.”
Already Making Progress
While we await the Government’s response (in the Spring of 2026), we’re already taking action. We’ve allocated £10,000 per ward from Capacity funds we already hold for immediate community-led projects, and we’ve commissioned a new Economic Strategy for Eastbourne in partnership with Eastbourne Borough Council. These early steps are about building trust and demonstrating that when communities come together with clarity and purpose, real change becomes possible.
To everyone who attended a workshop, completed a survey, shared an idea, or offered support – thank you. This Plan exists because you took the time to engage, to hope, and to imagine what Eastbourne could become. We’ll keep you updated every step of the way and publish it as soon as possible.