The Claremont Hotel building has been left in a derelict state for six years (Image: Getty)
The once-iconic in turned into and object of disdain and an eyesore for locals after it rose in flames in 2019.
Since then, the charred remains of the 72-bed hotel have sat haunting the town’s coastline, drawing sharp criticism from locals and visitors alike.
Colin Dawson voiced his concerns on social media: “How long do the citizens of have to live with the horrendous eyesore of the burnt-out remains of the Claremont hotel opposite the pier?
Fellow resident Julie Gilby added: “Shouldn’t be allowed to be left like this. It’s an eyesore in one of the most prominent places in Eastbourne.”
The hotel on Grand Parade, opposite the pier, was demolished after the fire in November 2019, leaving behind scaffolding, peeling hoarding, and a plot overrun with weeds.
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A fire ripped through the hotel in 2019 (Image: Getty)
The lack of action has also fueled broader concerns about the town’s decline, with Rachel Grant adding, “What is happening to lovely Eastbourne? The general decline of the town over the last five years is staggering.”
Despite the years of inactivity, there is hope on the horizon.
Eastbourne Borough Council’s chief executive, Robert Cottril said that a planning application for the site was to be expected,
The announcement came in response to a letter from the Eastbourne Society, which called the site’s current state a sign of “a complete absence of civic pride.”
The society’s trustees suggested replacing the hoarding with scaffolding wrapped in an image of the Claremont before the fire to preserve the area’s historical character.
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The once iconic building is now an eyesore for locals and visitors alike (Image: Getty)
The site, owned by Daish’s Holidays, was put up for sale in March 2023.
It is unclear whether a buyer has been found.
Meanwhile, clearing the debris after the fire cost Eastbourne Borough Council £68,400 in 2020, adding to the financial strain.
Council leader Stephen Holt has expressed doubts about rebuilding the site as a hotel but supports restoring the original facade.
“We can’t continue to leave it boarded up, and I want to work with the new operators to make it look more attractive while we discuss the site’s future,” he told the Eastbourne Society.
The Claremont Hotel, constructed between 1851 and 1855, was part of a grand Victorian terrace and held Grade II* listed status.
Its destruction marked another blow to Eastbourne’s heritage following a fire that ravaged the nearby pier in 2014.
As residents wait for updates on the redevelopment plans, there is a shared hope that the site can be transformed into a fitting tribute to Eastbourne’s rich history, balancing preservation with modern needs.
Lewes and Eastbourne Councils have been approached for comment.