By the middle of the nineteenth century there were two principal Landowners: William Cavendish, who became the seventh Duke of Devonshire, and John Davies Gilbert. Both were young men, and encouraged by the rising prosperity of the Industrial Revolution, they planned to develop the natural beauties of Eastbourne regardless of expense. In 1849 the railway arrived, the Terminus Road was constructed from the Railway Station to the sea. This was the first new road to be laid down. Soon broad, tree-lined roads began to spread across the fields under the Downs, and those retiring from high positions in the country and overseas built large houses in the Meads. In 1851, the sea wall in front of the Sea Houses was developed westwards, and houses, which became hotels, were built along Grand Parade. The three tiered walks to Holywell under Beachy Head were constructed at the Duke of Devonshire's own expense. Many private schools were established, and Eastbourne College, a public school, was founded in 1867. In that year a fire engine was purchased and a Volunteer Fire Brigade was formed. The Pier was opened in 1872, and parades eastward of Sea Houses were completed by 1844, and as early as 1882 the seafront was illuminated by electric lamps. The population in 1871 was 10,352 and 21,510 in 1881.

In 1883 Eastbourne was incorporated as a Municipal Borough, and The Mayor and corporation put in hand the building of the Town Hall, which was opened in 1886. A local police force consisting of a Chief Constable, two Inspectors, six Sergeants and twenty-nine constables was established. The Borough adopted as its motto "Let us follow better things" and from its earliest real development, Eastbourne determined to grow gracefully and efficiently. To advertise the beauty of Eastbourne as a health and pleasure

In 1902 Eastbourne became a Local Education Authority, and in 1903 the first Education Committee was appointed to control ten schools. In that year the Technical Institutes and Public Library were opened by Her Grace the Duchess of Devonshire, a building towards which Andrew Carnegie contributed £10,000. This building was severely damaged by bombing in World War 11 and had to be demolished; Eastbourne joined the Town Councils of Sussex Health Resorts in petitioning various Railway Companies to provide through train services from the north of England and other parts to encourage holiday makers to the South Coast. A local Advertising Association formed in 1905 increased the scope of the sub-committee formed ten years previously.

In 1910, the year of the accession of King George V, the Eastbourne Corporation Act received Royal Assent on the 3rd August, and provided, amongst the other items, for the extension of the Borough at a cost of £64,000. This was the first time a Borough was created in a County Borough by a Local Act.