Council’s sustainable incubator units given green light

Hastings Borough Council reports that it has been granted planning permission by the planning committee to build small business incubator units at Churchfield Industrial Estate.

In total 28 incubator units, ranging from 322 to 344 sq ft, (a total of some 9,558 sq ft), will be built. They will be used for office, light industry or high-tech spaces and will contain shared amenities and services.

The building in which they will be housed will be built to a very high sustainable (BREEAM) standard, with superfast broadband, extensive energy efficiency measures, green roof with solar PV, security features, electric vehicle charging points and will be fully accessible – all with the aim of minimising tenant costs and promoting greener working.

The building is planned to be ready for occupation by end of 2021.

“I am delighted that planning permission has been granted for this exciting new development which will provide a perfect space for new businesses and start-ups to grow from,” said council leader Cllr Kim Forward.

“The units will be built sustainably, which is really important as part of the council’s commitment to tackling climate change and being an example of good practice in all that it does to think and act sustainably, and will be available for low fees and with easy in, easy out licences.

Ideal location

“Situated close to three of our other industrial estates and easily accessed from the Queensway bypass and the A21, the units are in an ideal location for business employees, visitors and suppliers. The businesses that occupy these units will be in good company with other businesses located on the estate, including nationally and internationally respected enterprises. Our hope is that the businesses that move into these units will become part of mutual local supply chains.

“As well as the new facilities, a CHART (Connecting Hastings and Rother Together) funded programme will help individuals starting a business to do so from one of the new incubator units. As part of this there will be on-site training, networking, mentoring and support.

“The proposal demonstrates the council’s ongoing efforts and commitment to help support local businesses and provide the right facilities for them. This is especially important now as businesses face the challenge of recovering from the impact of COVID-19.”

The project has been developed with funding from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, the CHART programme and the council’s own capital programme.

To register an interest in occupying one of the units please contact the council’s estates team at estates@hastings.gov.uk.

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