Bexhill’s Colonnade: A Seaside Treasure with a Regal Beginning

Strolling along the seafront in Bexhill-on-Sea, one of the most striking historic features you’ll encounter is The Colonnade — a graceful, classical-style structure that has anchored the town’s promenade for over a century. Though often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, the De La Warr Pavilion, the Colonnade has its own rich story rooted in civic pride, celebration, and communit

y use.

A Royal Commemoration: Why It Was Built

The Colonnade was erected in 1911 as a lasting tribute to the coronation of King George V, an event of national significance that local leaders wanted to celebrate with a public focal point. It was conceived not just as a monument, but as an active seaside venue for concerts and gatherings, giving visitors a sheltered yet open space to enjoy arts and entertainment against the backdrop of the English Channel.

The structure sits on what was once the site of Martello Tower No. 46, removed decades earlier, and was officially opened in July 1911 — shortly after the King’s coronation in June.

Architectural Design & Style

The Colonnade is a fine example of Edwardian classical architecture, designed by J.B. Wall, FRIBA. Its materials include painted brick and concrete, accented with ornamental cast-iron elements and tiled floors, giving the structure both beauty and durability — a quality that has helped it survive intact for more than a century.

Key architectural features include:

• A semi-circular central colonnade supported on Tuscan columns.

• Balustrading and decorative lamps lending seaside charm.

• Symmetrically positioned two-storey circular pavilions at each end with domed shelters above.

• Historical inscriptions carved into the front friezes commemorating the coronation and featuring the names of the architect and civic leaders of the day.

Originally, a raised bandstand stood at the centre of the ground floor and an outside walkway projected over the beach — both features that have since been lost but which hint at the vibrant public uses envisioned during its early years.

Cost of Construction

Unlike many civic building projects of later decades, there’s no clear record publicly available of how much the Colonnade cost to build in 1911. What we do know is that seaside developments of the period commonly relied on a mix of municipal funds, local patronage, and public subscription — and that the emphasis was more on creating a community landmark than on financial profit. (If you have access to local archives or council minute books from the period, these can sometimes reveal original cost records not easily found online.)

Changing Role Through the Years

For much of the 20th century, the Colonnade fulfilled its intended purpose as a hub for open-air performance, socialising, and seaside leisure. Its position directly on the promenade — originally in front of a coastguard station — kept it at the heart of seaside entertainment.

In 1936, when the coastguard station was replaced by the now-iconic De La Warr Pavilion — a modernist masterpiece that brought a new cultural dynamic to Bexhill — the Colonnade remained a complementary historic counterpoint on the promenade.

Over time, parts of the structure were sensitively adapted: areas were enclosed and opened up as cafés and small shops during seaside regeneration in the 2010s, blending heritage with commercial uses and making the site a lively place for visitors and locals alike.

Today: Community, Culture & Commerce

In recent years, The Colonnade has become known as a vibrant mixed-use seafront destination. Inside and underneath its arches you’ll find:

• Independent cafés and eateries serving beachgoers year-round.

• Boutique shops and artisan stalls, forming part of the so-called Colonnade Quarter.

• Occasional live music and events, particularly during warmer months.

It remains a beloved public space — combining architectural heritage with everyday social life on the promenade. Access to the structure is free, and its open layout encourages people to gather, stroll, relax and take in the sea views.

Heritage Status & Preservation

The building was awarded Grade II listed status in 2008, recognising its architectural and historic significance as a relatively early example of seaside performance architecture and as part of Bexhill’s broader coastal heritage.

Today, the Colonnade is undergoing ongoing refurbishment and repair work to address water damage and ensure its future longevity. As of 2025–26, restoration efforts by Rother District Council aim to safeguard the structure — including its decorative façades and original features — for another century of public enjoyment.

Why the Colonnade Matters

The Colonnade reflects an era when seaside towns invested in public culture, civic celebration, and social gathering spaces. Its classical form evokes a timeless elegance, while its location anchors it at the centre of Bexhill’s promenade life.

Whether you’re a history lover, architecture enthusiast, or someone simply enjoying an ice cream by the sea, the Colonnade stands as a reminder of the town’s Edwardian heritage and continuing community spirit.

All images by Matthew Harmer (www.burstphotos.co.uk) Photographer based in Bexhill.