Construction Progress update from Baxall Contractors:

Extension Works

• Internal membranes and boarding (cement board and plasterboard) have been installed to meet the fire rating requirements for the new timber structure.
• First fix plumbing and electrical works within the extension are now complete.
• The extension’s roof build-up, including the zinc finish, has been successfully completed.
• External membrane and insulation have also been installed, and we have made significant progress on the external cladding system, which comprises a three-layer build-up.

Existing Building

• Core drilling operations have been carried out to facilitate the installation of new drainage runs.
• Assembly and erection of the new roof trusses are ongoing and are now nearing completion.

Construction Progress update from Baxall Contractors:

At the start of the month, we began laying the glazed bricks on top of the existing external walls, to achieve our desired level for the roof trusses. Including altering structural openings and installing new lintels above openings. We had on going carpentry works to the new extension. Garage walls and roof complete and ready for the roof finish. We completed the ground floor walls, including new structural steels to support the first floor. Continuing now onto the first floor and roof elements. Other works completed during the month include concreted the remaining 3 bases for our new columns, removal of existing CCTV Pole.

Camber Central carpark has now been fitted with temporary plumbed in toilets to replace the Portaloo’s for visitors to use whilst the construction is being completed.

Construction Progress update from Baxall:

Both existing roofs were removed in the first week back after Christmas, The groundworkers installed the land drain between the retaining wall & sub-structure blockwork, they also excavated and formed shutters for the column foundations in front of the new extension. The roof coming off allowed the bricklayers to start building up the wall levels. The glazed bricks are being laid, along with the Bee bricks at the rear elevation. New structural openings have been formed, along with new lintels and padstones to support the water tank above the garage. The new extension is progressing nicely, the ground floor walls are installed, the garage walls are up and boarded along with the roof. Off-site the columns are being produced and packaged for shipping.

Construction Progress update from Baxall:

December saw us installing the new retaining wall at the rear of the site , On-going blockwork cleaning and more groundworks. We excavated along the front of the buildings, setting out and pouring the concrete foundations for the new columns.  After UKPN had isolated and removed the existing supplies this allowed us to start the demolition of the roofs, setting aside the roof tiles that will be crushed and then re used later on in the project.

Construction Progress update from Baxall:

During November we formed the foundations for the new extension and garage, 9no. piles exposed and tied into our reinforced ground beams which sit beneath the new concrete slab. During this time, we had ongoing internal demolition and ground works to prepare for UKPN to bring in a new electric supply and disconnect the current feeds. Our decorators undertook the task of stripping paint from the external blockwork and cleaning these back to the natural finish.

The proposed building has come out of a long process of understanding what doesn’t work and what is needed for the future operation at Camber Sands. The core project themes are:

• Maximise capacity: improvements to layouts that maximise the capacity & efficiency of all WCs;
• Condition & sustainability: targeted sustainability investment and rectify known building condition issues;
• Expand and enrich: new construction to extend and provide space for enhanced activities including commercial space.

The proposals include benefits such as:

• 180% increase in toilet provision (from 21 existing toilets including urinals to 38 over three rooms)
• Significantly improve Coastal Operations office the HQ for Operation Radcott the multi-agency sea safety operation base on Camber Sands.
• Increased first aid facilities, with a major and minor spaces.
• New permanent large RNLI storage.
• New Welfare Facility to seasonal staff to be hireable community space off-season.
• New kiosk for income generation.
• New and improved building facilities including rainwater harvestings, solar panels and sustainable urban drainage systems.
• Dune management, ecology and sea safety education.

A new kiosk will offer opportunities to provide visitors with useful information, including nearby amenities and places of interest and details of local wildlife encouraging a better understanding of the unique sand dune environment, The intention is to also provide a small, healthy, and environmentally sustainable take-away food and drink offer, utilising local suppliers. Out of season, it is anticipated the kiosk can be made available for hire for community use, schools and by local residents, dependant on the provider.

This summer we held two days of free events in Camber that explore the local habitat, wildlife, dune management and care. The Public Workshops were held as part of a wider series of events on Wednesday 10th of July and Thursday 11th of July. They Consisted of a:

Habitats Workshop: This workshop focused on investigating, collecting and recording local plants, insects and other wildlife. The session culminated in an active workshop of information creating.

and a Dune Management Workshop: This workshop will focus on investigating the dunes and understanding how to maintain them. This session culminated in a workshop that discussed importance of the dunes and how we can get across the information learnt to the public.

The sessions were funded by UK Shared Prosperity Fund. We we soon be provided an information pamphlet on the work completed over these workshops.

Workshop Poster:

Rother District Council have progressed through detailed design of the proposals and are now inviting tenderers to submit bids for the construction contract. The details and full tender package have been released on the South East Shared Services Portal with reference: RDC – 037661.

Please visit South East Shared Services E Portal by clicking here

This is being managed by RDC’s shared procurement service East Sussex Procurement Hub ESPH. The information is also available on Contracts Finder (click here to view).

On 16th November 2024 Planning Committee unanimously Granted (Full Planning) to the Application for Camber Sands Welcome Centre.

The Planning application reference RR/2023/1743/P can be viewed by clicking here.

To View the Planning Committee Report completed by the Case Officer (click Here)

Summary from the report states:

The redevelopment of this tourist facility within the development boundary of Camber is considered an improvement of the existing site and is an acceptable proposal in principle. The proposal would not have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the area, harm the amenities of neighbouring properties and would be acceptable in terms of flood risk. Subject to conditions, the proposal is considered acceptable in terms of traffic management, biodiversity and habitat protection.

Prior to submission and throughout planning RDC held several consultation events and amended our designs following community and stakeholder feedback. Information about these changes can be found in the planning submission, with a brief summary of the most prominent changes shown below: