Excitement builds as scaffolding comes down at Congress Theatre

Scaffolding in the Congress Theatre auditorium has been dismantled as excitement grows for the London Philharmonic Orchestra re-opening concert less than six weeks away.

The steel structure had been in place for 18 months to carry out work on new lighting, ceiling decorations, and for new access to and construction of the lighting bridge.

Now all scaffolding has been taken down, the auditorium’s cork flooring can be completed and the final seats will be installed, bringing the total number to around 1,600.

Councillor David Tutt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said: “March 24 will be a special day. It will be the culmination of two years’ work to both return the Congress to its 1963 glory while making significant enhancements for theatre-goers and performers, ensuring this Grade II* listed building will be treasured for years to come. There could be no better way to celebrate the successful completion of this major project than with what promises to be an exceptional concert by the LPO.”

The Congress is one of a limited number of post-war theatres in the country and its architectural merit puts it alongside the National Theatre, Royal Festival Hall, Nottingham Playhouse and Chichester Theatres.

Visit devonshirequarter.co.uk for more information.

Please note that the junction of College Road with Carlisle Road and Wilmington Gardens in Eastbourne will be closed for road resurfacing during half term. Traffic diversions will be enforced while this takes place for the week beginning Monday, 18 February.

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