About Magazine Issue 21 - Autumn 2003

ReNEWing St Leonards

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There's a real buzz of anticipation in Central St Leonards and Gensing wards, as plans for the proposed new housing renewal area are becoming more focused.
The aims of a housing renewal area are to improve housing, community facilities and the local environment with the full support and involvement of the local residents.  Southwater Renewal Area was the first project of this kind to take place in Hastings & St Leonards, and has resulted in £12million being spent on improving housing and street lighting, traffic calming and provision of play facilities.
The proposed new area is four times the size of Southwater, and already more than 500 people have had their say about what they think should be a priority for improvement.  There was a series of walkabouts during June, and local people, many of whom had not met before, walked with Council officers around the streets pointing out things which need improving, and beginning to compile a 'wish list'.
Since then, questionnaires have been sent out to the 4,000 households within the area and a quarter have been returned.
A series of planning days took place at the end of September.  Issues and improvements that have been raised by residents throughout the consultation were discussed in depth with more than 200 residents.  The results of these discussions will form the basis of a formal report, which will lead to declaration of the Housing Renewal Area in December.

The Wish List so far

• Boundary walls to Victorian Style properties
• Better refuse storage
• Space for play and kickabout areas
• Traffic calming and/or home zones (where traffic cannot enter the streets between certain times)
• Better attractions and improved evening economy
• More attractive seafront
• Traditional shopfronts
• Improve the approaches to St Leonards
• Create Public open space and provide public art
• Possible redevelopment opportunities

Other suggestions included better street lighting, community policing, controlled parking and parking for residents, improve Warrior Square, tree planting and landscaping.
Councillor John Humphries, Cabinet Member responsible for Housing and Neighbourhoods, said: "This is a really exciting time for residents in St Leonards who have a real chance to shape the future of their local neighbourhood.
"This area of the town has been neglected and it is now going to be the focus of our attention to work towards making sure everyone has a decent home, good local facilities and a better quality of life.
"Tackling crime and the fear of it will feature highly in our plans.  We are going to improve lighting around Warrior Square Station, Kings Road and down to the seafront and are really pleased that the police are planning to focus on Central St Leonards and the crime issues within it.
"I believe that with the dedication of our officers and local people, this area of town will be rejuvenated."
If you would like to get involved in the housing renewal area, you do not have to have any special skills, just enthusiasm, good communication and the desire to make Central St Leonards a great place to live in.
Telephone the Renewal Office on 01424 781399, or you can drop into the project office at 2 Stainsby Street.

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