Cityzen was commissioned by Hawes Construction and Eastbourne Council under a Pre-Construction Services Agreement to collaborate on the restoration of the historic Victorian Racquet Court. This project, part of the ongoing Devonshire Quarter works, aims to transform the court into a versatile performance space and a functional storage facility.

Originally constructed in 1884, the Racquet Court is attributed to architect Henry Currey and reflects the exclusive character of Devonshire Park at the time, given that racquets was a niche, upper-class sport.

Cityzen’s role has so far involved a comprehensive analysis of the building’s current condition to assess the scope of necessary repairs and interventions. We are tasked with ensuring that this Listed building meets modern Building Regulations and safety standards, preserving its historical integrity while securing its future use.

Proposed Use

The proposed vision seeks to reintegrate the Racquet Court into the Winter Garden complex and the broader community, providing a regenerative economic opportunity to support its maintenance and operational viability. The scheme introduces an internal mezzanine to create a central performance and multimedia space, complemented by a new studio above the Buccaneer pub restrooms to the south, as well as an amenity space and viewing gallery to the north.

Externally, the design preserves the building’s believed original detailing, while internally, the restoration retains key historical architectural elements; such as stair balustrades, segments of original flooring, and structural features, while updating the space for modern functionality. This approach honours the heritage of the 140 year old Racquet Court while enhancing its utility for contemporary needs.