Fire at Former Convent Site, Magdalen Road – Public Safety Warning

Following a fire at the Former Convent site on Magdalen Road on 1 February 2026, Hastings Borough Council is reminding residents that this site is private property and is unsafe to enter. 

Although the fire did not affect the chapel, the buildings across the site are in a deteriorated and potentially dangerous condition. There are serious risks including: 

• unstable structures and falling debris,
• accumulated rubbish and sharp materials,
• the possible presence of asbestos, which can be extremely hazardous to health if disturbed. 

Members of the public must not enter the site under any circumstances. 

Parents and carers are strongly urged to ensure children do not attempt to access the site. 

The council has contacted the site owners/receivers and has required them to increase security immediately. Responsibility for securing and maintaining safety at the site rests with the owners. 

Looking ahead, the future of the Former Convent site is addressed in the council’s forthcoming draft Local Plan. The plan recognises the site as a nationally important heritage asset and sets out a clear expectation that any future development must be: 

• heritage-led,
• secure the repair and long-term future of the listed buildings,
• and be guided by a detailed development brief prepared with Historic England, the council, and the local community
• have regard to other relevant local and national planning policies  

The council will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with partner organisations to ensure public safety while seeking a sustainable long-term future for this important site.