Expressions of interest for the redevelopment of West Hill Café, Hastings
The expression of interest is now closed and submissions are being reviewed.
Hastings Borough Council is calling for experienced developers and operators to put forward their ideas and proposals to restore the West Hill Café to its full potential as part of the Town Deal Hastings Castle project.
Our ambition is to find a partner who will work with the council to develop, build, operate and maintain the new building as a café, restaurant and an interpretation centre for telling the story of Hastings Castle. Proposals should also incorporate access improvements to Ladies Parlour and the castle itself with improved setting and landscaping of the surrounding grounds.
Cllr Andy Batsford, lead councillor for Health and Culture, said: “This is a unique opportunity to lead the way in the transformation of the flagship project for the Hastings Town Investment Plan. I look forward to seeing plans to transform the West Hill Café site, incorporating an interpretation centre, which will significantly boost tourism and enhance the visitor experience overall. Ensuring the castle site is a must-see destination for everyone and restoring the café to its full potential is very important for our town.”
Please Note: The Council is not currently seeking specific enquiries in relation to the short-term leasing of the West Hill Café on the site. This Expression of Interest is regarding the long-term future of the castle and the café site and its development as part of the Town Deal project.
Details for the Expression of Interest can be viewed here
Submissions will be open until 8 December 2023
We’ve put together answers to Frequently Asked Questions here. Please note FAQs will be updated as questions are submitted to the Town Deal Inbox, so please ensure you check for any updates.
If you have any questions, please email TownDeal@Hastings.gov.uk
In 2021 Hastings was one of 101 UK towns to receive a share of the Government’s Towns Fund to kickstart the regeneration of the town with funding of £24.3m. Earlier this year the Town Deal Board approved the project’s business case and the council has allocated £3m of Town Deal money to invest in the project to improve the café as an interpretation facility with food and beverage provision and access to Hastings Castle with modest improvements within the castle itself. The council is now looking for experienced partners to help deliver the project.
Below are some published public documents:
Hastings Castle and West Hill Cafe EOI brief final October 2023
Initial research and feasibility report, Rubicon Regeneration
RIBA Stage 1+ Report (concept designs and initial costings), Mott MacDonald