The Observer Building ©Benedict Stenning

Observer Building to re-open its doors with People and Place exhibition

The landmark Observer Building (OB) is set to open its doors to the town for the first time since its closure in 2016 as a proud partner of the prestigious Coastal Currents Festival, writes Beth Woolf, project manager at White Rock Neighbourhood Ventures.

On the 6, 7 and 8 of September, between 12 and 5pm, the OB will bring together the work of 11 local artists in a fascinating new exhibition, People and Place, free to the public. Reflecting on the past and looking to the future, the pieces are inspired by this historic building in the heart of Hastings.

Included in the exhibition will be:
• A photo gallery of the OB’s secret graffiti from Cathy Teesdale
• A bespoke textile piece naming every donor to the OB Crowdfunder, by Janey Moffatt
• Portraits of the ‘Unsung Heroes’ central to the building’s rebirth, by John Cole
• Hastings on Sea – a day in the life of the very special America Ground, by Jonny Thompson
• Made in OB – artwork designed and created by local artists inside the empty building
• A photographic exploration of stories from original F J Parsons workers, by Benedict Stenning.

The regeneration and rebuilding of the Observer Building: Andre Davis, 3 April 2019. ©JohnCole

“This building has been at the heart of Hastings town for nearly a hundred years – but having fallen into dereliction, for many, it’s become a symbol of a faded past,” says photographer John Cole. “These events are the first chance for the public to be part of its journey to a restored and renewed glory!”

The OB – a new start for our town

The OB is set to become a new thriving community hub for Hastings. Bought by White Rock Neighbourhood Ventures last Valentine’s Day after 35 years of dereliction and market speculation, the WRNV team has been working tirelessly to repair the entire concrete frame of the building and fundraise for the rest of the development, with the ultimate aim of creating a vibrant mixture of residential, work and leisure spaces. All tenants will pay securely capped rents to lock in affordability long term.

If anyone is interested in becoming a tenant, hiring space or just want to keep up to date with the plans for the building, please contact us.

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