Town Centre Core project update
Urban Regeneration, Planning & Land Use; Local Transport
(please note this now forms part of the Hastings Town Centre Regeneration project)
Project Description
The original Town Centre Core project identified in the Town Investment Plan was proposed in 2019. Since then, we have had the Covid Pandemic, the economic crisis and financial challenges being faced by many local authorities.
This led to project changes and the re-allocation of funding that was originally envisaged under the Town Centre Core programme. Some of the funds were used to bring the former Debenhams building and the former New Look building back into use. All this was done with the approval of the Town Deal Board and the Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities back in 2022.
Remaining funds unspent have been diverted towards delivering the Public Realm and Green Connections project.
Project Justification
Hastings Town Centre Regeneration project: Hastings town centre covers around 550 non-residential public and private premises including shops, offices, libraries, educational institutions and municipal buildings, all set within a square mile. It is the physical, economic and social ‘heart’ of Hastings, sustaining more than 20% of the town’s jobs (c. 6,000 jobs). It is home to our shopping centre, business and cultural quarter, residential, transport hub, hotels and the pier. These are all within walking distance of each other.
The Town Centre Core project is now formally referred to as the Hastings Town Centre Regeneration Project (briefly referred to as the Hastings Station Gateway Project in 2023). This now covers the whole of the town centre from Breeds Place to Hastings Station and the Pier.
The council has been working with Homes England over the past year to consider ways of regenerating the town centre, focusing on all the land and sites surrounding Hastings Station.
Two reports have been published assessing the opportunities in the town centre and the next steps. Copies of the reports can be viewed below:
Hastings Station Gateway Key findings report.pdf
Hastings Station Gateway Market Review report.pdf
The proposed interventions have the potential to permanently transform the area. However, they require public investment to help bridge the viability gap and ensure sustainability.
In December 2022, Homes England and Hastings Borough Council commissioned Lambert Smith Hampton and Tibbalds to review and advise on the market potential for regeneration of Hastings Town Centre. As part of this work, the consultants produced a report outlining their recommended next steps which is set out below:
This report grouped the next steps and actions into five broad themes:
Developing a Strategic Regeneration & Investment Framework (SRIF)
Establishing Leadership and Governance Structures – a ‘task force’
Community and stakeholder engagement
Capacity Support
Viability and Delivery
This work is being progressed at the moment and will encompass public consultation and various exercises and is due for completion in the Summer of 2024.