Council Refutes Claims of Free Units at Bexhill’s Historic Colonnade

Rother District Council has strongly denied rumors circulating on social media that units at Bexhill’s recently refurbished Colonnade building are being offered to new traders for free.

“Rother District Council is very concerned about misinformation currently circulating on social media about the business units at the Colonnade in Bexhill,” a council spokesperson stated. “Comments include posts on Facebook that suggest the council has offered some of the units to new traders at no cost. This is completely untrue.”

The Grade II listed building, which reopened in April following extensive refurbishment, is currently being marketed to potential tenants, with the council reporting significant interest from prospective businesses. The historic Colonnade was partially reopened over Easter, ahead of a planned full reopening this summer.

Commercial property agent Dyer & Hobbis is handling the leasing arrangements for the building, with published rates showing a restaurant and kitchen unit available at £27,500 per annum. Additionally, three units are being offered at £7,000 per year, four at £3,000 per annum, and two at £5,500 per year – a far cry from the free occupancy claimed in social media posts.

The property agent describes the Colonnade as “a unique opportunity to secure a prime beachfront location within one of Bexhill’s most distinctive Grade II Listed buildings.” The marketing materials highlight the building’s “uninterrupted sea views through its striking curved frontage” and notes that it “benefits from high footfall along the town’s vibrant promenade.”

Proposals are being welcomed for the entire building, multiple sections, or individual units, with options for license agreements or longer-term lease arrangements where appropriate.

The refurbishment project began in October 2025 after existing traders were instructed to vacate the premises by the end of September that year. The closure affected several established local businesses, including Eleven@Colonnade, The Pebble People, Rachel’s Glass Store, Hughies Beach Café, and The Bag Lady.

The council’s decision to close the building for repairs sparked significant community reaction, with a petition calling for a guaranteed “right to return” for existing traders gathering more than 4,500 signatures. The petition reflected local concerns about preserving the character of this beloved community space and supporting longstanding local businesses.

The council appointed DBR Southern to address water ingress issues and carry out the necessary refurbishment works on the historic structure. The repairs have now progressed to a point where partial reopening has been possible, with full operations expected to resume this summer.

The Colonnade holds significant historical importance for the seaside town. Built in 1911 to commemorate King George V’s Coronation, the building was recognized for its architectural and historical significance when it received Grade II listed status in 2008. Its distinctive curved design and prominent seafront location make it one of Bexhill’s most recognizable landmarks.

As the reopening process continues, the council appears focused on establishing a transparent leasing process and correcting what it views as misleading information about rental terms. The strong interest reported by the council suggests the renovated Colonnade will likely play a significant role in Bexhill’s commercial landscape once again, continuing its century-long presence on the town’s seafront.

Local residents and visitors can expect to see the fully refurbished Colonnade operational in the coming months, with a new mix of businesses occupying its distinctive curved promenade space.