The Resolution Centre?

A Marine & Maritime Education Centre

The Vision

If a commercial developer can be found for the now favoured "Hotel development" on land adjacent to the registered "at risk" Martello Tower (No. 66) at Langney Point, I believe there exists an opportunity to create a wonderful and lasting landmark, that could present the answer to many peoples concerns and requirements.

Few wish to see more flats or apartments built at Sovereign Harbour and most would agree that the Harbour lacks cultural resources, communal space and soul.

My vision could answer some of these issues and more.  It would restore and preserve the registered "at risk" Martello Tower and by linking to an annexe building adjoining a new "Hotel development" could provide educational and cultural resources whilst at the same time creating an apt gateway to link Sovereign Harbour to Eastbourne town, marking one end of the lovely 3 mile seafront walk between the Harbour and Beachy Head. 

The centre would allow people to discover, share and preserve the wealth of Maritime History in the immediate area and know and understand the wonderful local marine life and the fragile ecological balance essential to their survival.

The restored Tower would act as the start point on a journey of discovery;  passing through a continuation of re-landscaped “Crumbles beach” one would enter the restored Martello Tower with displays and information on its original purpose, subsequent modifications and uses before climbing (possibly by elevator) to the viewing platform.  Looking out to sea people would be informed of the areas rich maritime history: to include its earlier natural harbour and the Roman fortress of Anderida, The Norman Invasion, The Battle of Beachy Head 1690, The warship Resolution, The Holland V Submarine, and stories of other local shipwrecks throughout time.  Descending to a semi-subterranean tunnel “beneath the waves” linked to a new building adjoining the “Hotel Complex” people would travel through audio visual displays that continue the story introducing subjects on marine biology and ecology (referring to the importance of the nearby water treatment works and local environment agency for example).

In the new complex, further interactive displays, information and audio visual panels would expand on some of these subjects and perhaps include temporary exhibitions that focus on associated subject matter, i.e. the local fishing industry, the R.N.L.I. etc.

Part of the complex would house a Nautical Archaeology Society-linked Scuba Diving club, a dive centre and equipment shop from where the N.A.S could run maritime archaeology training courses and projects on some of the local protected wreck sites.  Sussex Seasearch could be involved to train individuals to study the local marine life and both organisations could train in the sheltered North Harbour when conditions at sea were poor or inappropriate.

Various other educational courses could be linked and a study area/conference room could be incorporated in the building for schools to use and for conference hire etc.

Ideally all linked commercial partners would be eco-friendly, promoting cutting edge energy and water efficiency with minimal impact on the environment.

Restaurants at the “centre” would become known and respected for serving sustainable, local caught, fresh fish and Sussex grown/farmed food products.

A shop within the complex would also sell a wide range of nautical/marine themed gifts, art, crafts and educational material.

The centre could affiliate with many companies to provide unique, exciting foreign trips, opening up opportunities to participate in Archaeological and Marine conservation projects around the world, in exchange attracting foreign visitors and students to Sovereign Harbour.
 

The landscaped open spaces around the site would give people an area in which they could exercise, relax and reflect on their visit...........

People are changing and most now do care about the environment and the natural world around them.

More and more of these people are starting to explore the underwater world.

The spear gun has now been replaced with the digital camera and even sports fishermen now photograph and return their catches to the ocean.

I believe that by combining education and training with the growing interest in all things aquatic and by using new technologies we can all help to preserve, record and share our very rich and varied heritage.

Could it be a reality?

Can you help?

It will take a lot of support and funding to turn the “vision” into reality.

If you believe that you can help to get this project off the ground please do not hesitate to make contact.

Carillion plc are currently advertising the site for sale with planning permission for a Hotel - lets not miss the opportunity to make Sovereign Harbour and Eastbourne an even better place to live and visit.

The vision has the support of Neal Potter who is one of the country’s leading Museum and Exhibition designers. His credentials include projects for major clients all over the world. Neal is a resident of Sovereign Harbour and has agreed to help put the concept masterplan together.

His work can be seen at www.nealpotterdesign.co.uk

Below is a sketch of Neal’s initial response to the vision.

(Please click on thumbnail to enlarge picture below)

Please Act Now - because when this opportunity has gone, it's gone.