ASWS Appointed To Restore Iconic Glazing At The Grade I Listed De La Warr Pavilion

Work has begun on a major conservation project at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill‑on‑Sea, one of the UK’s most important modernist buildings, as the Grade I‑listed arts centre marks its 90th anniversary. Designed by Erich Mendelsohn and Serge Chermayeff and completed in 1935, the Pavilion is internationally recognised for its pioneering architecture and cultural significance.

Photo by Burst Photos

Specialist heritage contractor, Associated Steel Window Services (ASWS) has been appointed to undertake a comprehensive refurbishment of the building’s iconic staircase glazing, a defining architectural feature of the Pavilion. The 28‑week programme will see ASWS carry out a full off‑site refurbishment of the north and south bowed‑plan staircase steel frame windows, alongside the installation of new steel ring beams, curved metal beading and new glazing.

In addition to its specialist steel window expertise, ASWS is acting as Principal Contractor for the works, responsible for site welfare, scaffolding, boundaries and overall site provisions. The phased approach has been carefully planned to ensure that all areas of the venue remain open throughout 2026, allowing the Pavilion to continue hosting performances and events during the restoration.

The works form part of a wider conservation masterplan aimed at addressing long‑standing maintenance issues, improving accessibility and circulation, and securing the building’s long‑term resilience. The initial phase focuses on the roof and staircase glazing, elements that have suffered from water ingress, corrosion and environmental degradation over time.

Stewart Drew, Chief Executive and Director of the De La Warr Pavilion, said the project is part of a long‑term vision “to reimagine this special place for the next century,” following the award of a £7.6m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund last year.

Building on earlier restoration work in the early 2000s, the current programme represents a significant step forward in safeguarding the Pavilion’s fabric. ASWS’s appointment reflects its specialist experience in delivering complex heritage steel window restorations on nationally significant buildings. For more information on ASWS, please visit https://asws.co.uk/services