Rother District Council (RDC) has announced that work is due to commence on the next stage of a £3.5m scheme to transform the seafront in Bexhill, East Sussex.

Kent-based Neilcott Construction has started moving equipment onto the site today (4 October) with a view to starting construction work on the Next Wave scheme along the town's promenade. Plans include the renovation of the Grade II-listed King George V Colonnade, the creation of a new boathouse for Bexhill Rowing Club and the refurbishment of the Metropole Lawns.

Work on the first phase has included landscaping and resurfacing the West Promenade, with the entire scheme due for completion in summer 2011. RDC's Christopher Starnes, project sponsor, said: "We have worked hard to develop a plan that will keep the promenade open for most of the time work is taking place, although short-term closures to some sections might be required now and again."