Transformation work progressing at former Lewes Council offices

The former open plan offices are being turned into an art gallery and learning space.

The new public cultural centre is due to open on 13 September featuring two new exhibitions. 

'Bring No Clothes: Bloomsbury and Fashion' will be a ticketed exhibition exploring the clothing of the Bloomsbury Group and its influence on 21^st century fashion. Alongside this, 'Jonathan Baldock: through the joy of the senses', is the first museum survey show for this leading contemporary artist and will be free to enter.

The partners involved in the project visited the site recently to see how the work's progressing. Director of Charleston Nathaniel Hepburn showed Councillor Zoe Nicholson, Leader of Lewes District Council and Rebecca Conroy, Principal and CEO of East Sussex College, around the former council building.

Nathaniel said: "As we removed some of the adaptations that have been made to the building over the last 80 years, we were delighted to find many of the original features beneath them. When visitors come into the entrance lobby they will see beautiful brick arches, some 1930s glass brick light wells and the original lino chequerboard flooring. We have opened all this up and the building will soon be ready to welcome visitors into what has always been a community owned building."

Rebecca said: "East Sussex College is so excited to be involved in the new centre and partnership with Charleston and Lewes District Council.  The space really is inspiring - we can't wait to start delivering courses and developing the skills to enhance the lives of our students - both in terms of adult education and for young people.  The new partnerships will add huge value to our community which is so exciting."   

Councillor Nicholson said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that education is a core part of our partnership with Charleston and the East Sussex College and looking forward to seeing students absorbing and being inspired by the learning on offer in the new cultural centre. And at a time when our shops and businesses need increased footfall in the town, the prospect of many more visitors coming to Lewes is very exciting."