The latest boost to the town's economy is nearing completion.
The Innovation Centre, on Churchfields Industrial Estate, should be finished by the summer and may soon be home to 70 businesses and up to 123 workers. This major asset will help existing companies in Hastings and St Leonards to grow and is particularly geared towards the manufacturing, technology and professional industries. Regeneration company Sea Space, is also marketing the fully supported accommodation to businesses outside the area to attract a broad portfolio of investors to the town.
Hastings Borough Council leader Jeremy Birch said: "The Innovation Centre is part of our plan to create good quality new employment space around the town, fitting our increasingly prosperous economy."
Work began on the site, off Queensway, in spring last year after the Council granted planning permission in the summer of 2004, though the land had been set aside for development in the 70s.
Businesses will be able to choose from workshops, studios and office space with "ready to go" facilities including Broadband. Companies will also benefit from professional advice from local experts to help them grow and prosper.
The Innovation Centre follows hot on the heels of the Creative Media Centre, opened in March 2004. This building has been home to 14 new start up companies and has helped create 21 new jobs and an apprenticeship.
Hastings Borough Council has worked closely with its regeneration partners to bring these projects to life.
For more information about the Innovation Centre go to: www.innovationcentrehastings.com.
Professional coaches are bringing American football to the streets of Hastings in weekly training sessions. Anyone between the ages of 10 and 20 is invited to take part in the sessions at Wishing Tree playing field. They take place every Wednesday between 6pm and 7.30pm.
Councillor Jay, portfolio holder for Leisure said: "The Council's Active Hastings team are coordinating the project, trying to get young people to try something different. They have joined forces with the National Football League (NFL) Europe to bring the best possible coaching and experience to the town. I think it's another great excuse for our young people to get active".
No experience is necessary, and teams will end up taking part in regional and national games and tournaments. For more information, please call the Active Hastings team on 0845 274 1050.
Education and professional development for artists are the focus of Hastings Borough Council's new Arts Strategy, to be unveiled next week. SOCO Gallery's ‘arts hub’ will host the launch event on Monday, 13 March.
Council leader Jeremy Birch and Councillor Jay Kramer, portfolio holder for Cultural Development will attend with a gathering of artists from across the town. Guests at the launch event will get the chance to pick up a copy of ‘Vital Currents’, a book produced to accompany the strategy, which documents the progress of Hastings' creative sector over the past five years.
Cllr Kramer said: "Our action plan sets out an exciting vision to provide a wide range of learning workshops for artists. The first of these professional development programmes has already begun, giving artists the chance to learn vital skills to make the most of their careers".
Keen artists gathered last Monday, 27 February to take part in the first of 12 professional development sessions with local artist Sarah Palmer, who gave the group invaluable entrepreneurial advice. Other topics included in the course include: time management, audience development and managing projects. A gallery showcase of the group's work will top off the programme. Other professional training opportunities in the pipeline cover festival and street art, public art and using art in education.
For more information, please contact the Arts Development section on 01424 781154.
The Tourist Information Centre in Hastings Old Town reopened this week following a refit to improve accessibility and appearance. The facelift for the popular visitor centre included fitting a new door and windows, replacing the counter with desks and redecorating.
Council leader Jeremy Birch officially reopened the centre on Tuesday, 7 March, and said: "It's great to see this popular centre looking renewed. The accessibility improvements are particularly important, as they mean that everyone can benefit from the wealth of information and services provided in the centre. The widened door and lowered desks make the centre a far more welcoming place. The new look comes just in time for busy Easter period, which sees the Old Town bustling with visitors. It will be great to see the centre being used and enjoyed over the coming months".
The Old Town Tourist Information Centre will reopen this Saturday, 11 March and will remain open at weekends only until Easter. From then it will be open seven days a week through to October. For details, please call 0845 274 1001.
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This page last updated: 09/03/2006