Who We Are

Rottingdean Heritage CIO is a locally run charity, whose objectives are

• To improve, protect and preserve the physical and natural environment, beauty, history and character of Rottingdean and its surroundings for the benefit of the public;
• To preserve develop and improve historic buildings and features of general public amenity or historic interest in Rottingdean, including The Grange and its gardens, the Rottingdean Windmill and the Rottingdean Conservation Area; and
• To advance arts, culture and heritage in all their forms in Rottingdean for the benefit of the public particularly (but not exclusively) through the provision of amenities such as art galleries, museums, exhibitions, displays and other public events.

The charity has a membership and exists for the benefit of the public as a whole.

The origins  date back more than 100 years when a group was  formed to restore the near derelict Rottingdean Windmill after the First World War. This later became the local Ratepayers Association. In 1960, The Rottingdean Preservation Society was formed as a registered charity. In 2020 the name was changed to Rottingdean Heritage, and in 2024 Rottingdean Heritage CIO was formed as a successor body and the assets of the society were transferred to it

The trustees of the charity (all of whom are volunteers) comprise the members of the executive committee and meet every month to monitor the activities of the charity and take decisions on its behalf. They are supported by a number of associate committee members.

Notable successes for the Charity over the years included the rescue of the Kipling Gardens when it was planned for development in the 1980s, and the lease of the Museum and Gallery from Brighton Council in 1992 when it was threatened with closure.

The Museum and Gallery are a popular venue for visitors and artists alike, and the Gallery recently hosted two major exhibitions on William and Mabel Nicholson attracting visitors from all over the country. The Windmill also attracts almost 1000 visitors a year when it opens during the summer months.