Council Refutes Claims of Free Trading Units at Historic Bexhill Colonnade

Rother District Council has strongly denied claims circulating on social media that units at Bexhill’s recently refurbished Colonnade have been offered to new traders free of charge, labeling such assertions as “misinformation.”

The controversy surrounds the Grade II listed building, which partially reopened this April following extensive restoration work that began in October 2025. The historic seafront structure, built in 1911 to commemorate George V’s Coronation, has been a prominent feature of Bexhill’s coastline for over a century.

“We are 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 council emphasized that it is actively marketing the building and seeking bids from all interested parties, noting that the property has attracted significant interest since becoming available. According to the spokesperson, repairs have progressed well enough to allow a partial reopening over Easter, ahead of the planned full reopening scheduled for this summer.

Commercial property agent Dyer & Hobbis is currently advertising the various spaces within the historic building. The largest unit—a restaurant and kitchen space—is 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.

The property listing highlights the Colonnade’s unique appeal, describing it as “a prime beachfront location within one of Bexhill’s most distinctive Grade II Listed buildings.” The listing notes the building’s “uninterrupted sea views through its striking curved frontage” and its position along “the town’s vibrant promenade” with high pedestrian traffic.

The marketing materials indicate flexibility in leasing arrangements, welcoming “proposals for the entire building, multiple parts or for individual units, whether on a licence basis or, where appropriate, as part of a longer term lease arrangement.”

The refurbishment project has not been without controversy. Prior to work beginning in October 2025, existing traders at the Colonnade—including Eleven@Colonnade, The Pebble People, Rachel’s Glass Store, Hughies Beach Café, and The Bag Lady—were instructed to vacate their premises by the end of September 2025 to accommodate the renovation.

This displacement prompted community backlash, resulting in a petition signed by more than 4,500 people calling for the council to guarantee previous tenants a “right to return” once renovations were complete. The petition reflected significant community concern about the future of local independent businesses that had established themselves as fixtures in the historic building.

The council appointed specialist contractor DBR Southern to address water ingress issues and conduct the necessary repairs and refurbishment work on the structure, which received Grade II listed status in 2008, recognizing its historical and architectural significance.

As the summer season approaches and the Colonnade prepares for its full reopening, local interest remains high regarding which businesses will ultimately occupy this iconic seafront location, and whether any of the previous tenants will return to their former spaces in the rejuvenated historic landmark.