Rother District Council (RDC) has approved plans for the redevelopment of the Grade II-listed Colonnade building in Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex, as part of a £5m regeneration scheme.

A new rowing club will be created under the plans, which were given the green light by RDC's planning committee and forms part of the Next Wave scheme to improve the resort's West Parade.

Bexhill Rowing Club will relocate from its existing site to a new facility around twice the size, which is also set to include a purpose-built wash-down area and a viewing platform.

The historic Colonnade will benefit from a full refurbishment, while new small retail units and restaurants will also be created to provide a place for residents and tourists to eat and relax as part of a number of public realm improvements.

New Wave, which is funded by RDC and the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), is set to provide increased seating, new seafront shelters and an improved kiosk as part of wider plans to improve the resort.

Work is due to get underway in the spring.