Contractor chosen for works on Colonnade and rowing club

Councillors voted for a bid of 3,501,109 put in by a company known for legal reasons as Contractor C after 29 firms initially registered their interest in redeveloping Bexhill's seafront.

Rother District Council (RDC) whittled down the bids to three companies. Despite being 280,000 more expensive than the cheapest viable option, the authority chose Contractor C because of a proven track record of working with listed buildings and in seaside conditions.

A team will now begin to monitor the De La Warr Pavilion for movement as tonnes of earth is excavated from behind the Colonnade to make way for a restaurant - the latest installment of the Next Wave plans which began along West Parade earlier this year.

"It was close," said Madeleine Gorman, head of amenities. "The points are marginal. But this contractor demonstrated much greater understanding of the Colonnade and have a good history of working by the seaside.

"Even though they are more expensive, they will give us that quality."

Cllr Carl Maynard said: "For me this is the most exciting part of the seafront project.

"The new rowing club will stand the test of time and will be for youngsters from Bexhill and the wider area a fantastic facility for some time to come."

Work will begin by October. For information on the scheme visit www.next-wave.org.uk