Observer column 31 July 2026

Cllr Julia Hilton, deputy leader of the council and lead councillor for shaping place, regeneration and community wealth building

We're at an exciting time in Hastings now with some major regeneration projects taking shape and starting to develop at pace. At the same time, it has been great to be able to announce that we are rejoining Visit 1066 Country, a long-term ambition once finances allowed. So, with this alongside the new Visit Hastings website we are in a great position to be able to promote all the exciting projects on the horizon. 

I was really pleased that the planning application for the West Hill Cafe and visitor centre was approved by planning committee in July – this was a big step forward in the development of this site. Further heritage approvals are required, including Scheduled Monument Consent, before work can begin. 
Troika, our delivery partner for this project, and new operators of Hastings Castle, have already run a series of successful events at the site since they took over the site earlier in the spring. They have more planned over the summer including everything from moth nights to theatre, music and storytelling. You can find out more on their website and social media - The West Hill Project. It has been great to see this iconic site come to life even before the major work starts on building the new visitor centre later in the year. 

You might have heard that work is due to begin on Pelham Crescent in mid-August. The road forms the roof of the crypt and arcade under St Mary in the Castle, repairing this is the first step in the regeneration of St Mary in the Castle. We have had a condition survey carried out which will help inform the work that needs to be done on this unique building. We had a number of responses to our expression of interest call, and we will be contacting all of those once we have reviewed the condition survey and understand the work required. 

In the next few months, there are a whole series of events and activities happening across the town to mark the Bayeux Tapestry being on display at the British Museum. One of these is our Norman Heritage Banner trail, which will feature banners designed by the community. We are running a competition for all ages, groups and organisations, to design banners with the winning designs featuring in the trail.  

Winners will see their banners printed and included in the trail and there are also prizes for each category winner. The trail will run from Hastings Station to Hastings Castle past the Town Hall, seafront and West Hill Lift. Designs must celebrate our Norman heritage. Entries must be submitted by 11.59pm on Sunday 9 August. Find out more on our Norman Heritage trail Banner Competition webpage. 

You can find out more about all the events happening as part of these celebrations on the Visit Hastings website calendar.