About Us
Located in the heart of Eastbourne, The Beacon Shopping Centre is the town’s leading retail and leisure destination, offering a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
A Brief History
The centre originally opened in the 1980s as the Eastbourne Arndale Centre, quickly becoming the focal point of shopping in Eastbourne’s town centre. For decades it served residents and visitors alike, bringing together well known high street brands and independent retailers under one roof. Over time, the Arndale established itself as the primary retail hub for the town and the wider surrounding area.
The Transformation and Extension
Between 2016 and 2019 the centre underwent a major transformation, including an £85 million retail and leisure extension designed to modernise the destination and enhance Eastbourne’s town centre. The redevelopment introduced over 20 new shops, a range of restaurants, and a multi screen cinema, creating a new retail and leisure quarter within the town.
As part of this redevelopment, the centre was rebranded as The Beacon in 2018. The new name reflects Eastbourne’s coastal heritage and the historic beacons along the nearby cliffs, symbolising the centre’s role as a guiding landmark for the town’s retail future.
Today
Today, The Beacon Shopping Centre continues to evolve as a key part of Eastbourne’s town centre regeneration. The expanded centre combines retail, dining, and entertainment with improved public spaces and connections to nearby transport links, including the railway station and pedestrianised areas of the town.
With a diverse range of national and international brands alongside leisure attractions, The Beacon remains a vibrant destination for shopping, socialising, and entertainment for both local residents and visitors to Eastbourne.