With so much happening to regenerate the town, and so many schemes in the pipeline, we though that we'd give you an overview about who's doing what, where and when.
Almost 2,000 of you visited and commented on the Pelham Square exhibition during Hastings Week. The outstanding designs were well received and a panel finally selected Foster and Partners at the end of November. The architects will now work up more detailed designs, taking into account your comments, before a formal planning application is made in Summer 2004. It is hoped that preliminary work will begin in 2005 with full completion of the scheme in 2008.
Our unique Millennium Community, bankrolled by English Partnerships after a successful bid, will see 6 key brownfield sites along the railway line from Ore to West St Leonards developed into mixed use (ie housing, shops, businesses) neighbourhoods.
Ore Valley will be the first site to be developed with 677 homes planned in the valley on the old power station site. Transport and local service improvements are a key part of the development. The plans went on show at an exhibition during November and the first stage of development should be complete at the end of 2005.
The Station Plaza site (next to Hastings station) is going to be the site of 120 homes and a mixture of business and education space. There will be a planning application made in Summer 2004 with building work starting in Summer 2005 and completing mid 2008.
Work is well underway in the old Boots building in Robertson Street. When it is complete early in the New Year, it will house a Broadband Experience Centre to allow businesses and individuals to find out what broadband could do for them. Other floors will house superb office space for up to 15 creative businesses and will be ready by March 2004.
The three buildings opposite will be improved, with one partially demolished and replaced with a stunning contemporary design. The building could have images or films projected onto its glass front. It will contain public space, possibly including an Internet café and exhibition area for the media companies based there. It should be complete late in 2004.
Students are now studying in the old BT building, Havelock Road, enjoying top notch facilities as they study for various computer, managerial and professional qualifications. A new atrium will be built onto the property early next year. A groundbreaking E-Business degree - the first of its kind in the UK, will be available in 2004. Canterbury Christ Church University College, Open University and the University of Westminster are all in discussion about further courses.
Over 500 people visited the exhibition about the proposed new development at the Stade on the existing coach park. This was the second exhibition and following comments from residents about the previous design, it is now smaller and its position moved slightly to the west. The comments are now being analysed and discussed before the next steps are taken.
The new housing renewal area in Central St Leonards is about to be formally declared. Work to improve housing for local people, provide better community facilities and services, improve lighting, pavements and roads will continue over the next 10 years. Residents have played a key role in developing the improvement plans.
The five year £3.4m project to rejuvenate Alexandra Park to its heyday as a Victorian pleasure park is now almost complete. Don't miss its official opening on April 24th with Ground Force star Charlie Dimmock.
At the time of going to press, Warrior Square was the next to be illuminated and residents have worked with the Council to create a scheme that will be for everyone to enjoy - including the people who live there. Plans for West Marina Gardens and the Old Town are also being developed.
The green loop around the town, where people can walk or cycle away from traffic is progressing and new artworks in Summerfields Woods are adding to its attraction. At present, artists are being selected to design the 'Greenway signs' and panels of art for Bethune Way underpass.
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This page last updated: 16/12/2003