Teams from Heart of Hastings CLT and Project Artworks, standing outside 12 Claremont, Hastings, their latest project gifted to them as a community asset transfer from East Sussex County Council. Photo Jonny Thompson
£2m funding injection for America Ground
Iconic neighbourhood The America Ground is set to receive £2 million of public funding for an exciting four-year programme to rejuvenate this historic part of Hastings beginning in April 2020.
The project, being carried out by a partnership of 19 local community organisations, will repurpose derelict buildings as productive community spaces, restore iconic heritage features of the high street and provide a cultural and educational programme for local people and visitors.
“Heart of Hastings CLT is proud to be leading a team of dedicated people and organisations from our local community to drive forward this exciting work,” commented Rodney Buse, chair of Heart of Hastings Community Land Trust.
“Our approach is community-led and inclusive. All stakeholders, including Hastings Borough Council, are working in a partnership of equals. We all need to be part of revitalising this unique area and celebrate its fascinating history and independent spirit.”
The decaying Lion and the Unicorn statues on Robertson Terrace were originally destined for Buckingham Palace and donated to Hastings by Decimus Burton Photo Jonny Thompson
Making heritage buildings fit for the modern world
The proposed programme to improve the neighbourhood, which stretches from Harold Place up to the Trinity Triangle and The Observer Building, is likely to include:
Funds to transform empty heritage buildings into creative spaces, community hubs and housing, including 12 Claremont and the Observer Building
The completion of essential repair works to other historic buildings, revealing the hidden and forgotten features of the area
Innovative training programmes in partnership with East Sussex College to provide practical heritage skills for local people and train local volunteers to play a role in the conservation of the area
Cultural events and activities for local people and visitors to enjoy
A dedicated part-time Conservation Officer for the neighbourhood.
Sweet Selection, inside “former Hastings Memorial Art Gallery building. Photo Jonny Thompson
Leader of Hastings Borough Council Cllr Peter Chowney said, “It’s very good news that the Heart of Hastings bid has been approved, and I’m pleased Hastings Council was able to help.
“I look forward to the council working with Heart of Hastings and partners to develop the detailed proposals for restoring these important historic buildings in the Trinity Triangle area. This has indeed been a good example of partnership working, and a successful one.”
Heart of Hastings and its community partners will be working up a detailed programme of work in the coming months to fully secure the £2 million grant, to be announced in January 2020 by Historic England.
If members of the public have questions, want to suggest ideas, or would like to be involved in shaping the programme of work for the America Ground, please contact shelley@heartofhastings.org.uk.
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1 Comment
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The poor old Lion and Unicorn certainly should receive some much needed restoration – so sad to see these wonderful statues crumbling away…hope they don’t end up like King Harold and his common law wife who are also crumbling away not far up the road…why do successive councils in this town simply sit back and watch our historic heritage disintegrate before their very eyes?
Comment by Ms.Doubtfire — Thursday, Sep 19, 2019 @ 10:31