SITE NOW FULLY DEVELOPED.
UPGRADED INDOOR BOWLING GREEN
NEW ENLARGED CLUBHOUSE WITH: LARGE DINING AREA -
KITCHEN - BAR - OFFICE - CHANGING ROOMS -
TOILETS, INCLUDING DISABLED FACILITY.
ENLARGED, UPGRADED ONSITE PARKING.
OUTDOOR BOWLING GREEN FULLY RENOVATED.
Read on for the full story behind this development.
Article Published 8th Oct 2021
Our founder Charles Gulliver was a successful businessman, living in Bexhill and in 1951 he founded Gullivers Bowls Club. He purchased the site in Knole Road which to this present day, continues to provide the residents of Bexhill, with a unique indoor and outdoor bowls facility.For over 70 years, Gullivers Bowls Club has existed and after such time has become part of the heritage that is Bexhill.
During this period our building has served us well but regrettably, the rigours of time have taken their toll and it is no longer able to withstand the English weather and if we are to continue as a bowls club, we must act!
The overall cost of redevelopment is far beyond that which could possibly be raised by our members and is an amount, that can only be achieved by selling part of the land.
Our new management team have considered minimising the impact on the surrounding area, by forgoing the original plans for retirement flats and instead, are proposing to build a small number of mews style properties situated on the northern boundary, feeling this will provide a more integrated and pleasing outlook.
Much has been written that the plot of land in question is an Asset of Community Value and in this regard in November 2020 Gullivers entered into the Asset of Community Value legal process, offering any interested party the chance to bid for the land. Only one party declared their interest but after 6 months, nothing materialised
It is well documented that seaside towns can expect regeneration over the next few years.
With the news of such regeneration, it can be anticipated, changes will occur in Bexhill and already we are witnessing numerous new house building programmes.
As time progresses, the Gulliver’s site could well command a premium but our objective is not to speculate on future property prices but to retain a bowls facility in the area which, it is hoped, will continue to provide and attract members of our community, who wish to partake in a gentle recreation, whilst making new friends.
To sit back and do nothing would be totally unforgivable and result in the eventual closure of Gullivers.
If this was to happen, the land and buildings would become derelict, until such time as the future of the entire site is determined. We take this responsibility very seriously and have the opportunity now, to save the land as a bowling club, which is something we hope our community will value and want to support.
END
On Thursday (April 14, 2022), Rother District Council’s planning committee approved an application from developer Court Developments Limited to build eight two-bedroom houses at the Gulliver’s Bowls Club, in Knole Road.
As well as housing, the scheme also promises the construction of a new club house building and the refurbishment of an indoor bowls rink on the site.
Speaking on behalf of the club, Sandra Balchin told the committee these facilities would help secure the future of the club. She said: “I cannot stress enough the dreadful impact on Gulliver’s Bowls Club should we fail in this application. Court Developments, a local company, can make this work for us.
THE NEW CLUB HOUSE INTERIOR
NEW CLUBHOUSE