Expressions of Interest welcomed for the redevelopment of West Hill Café and Hastings Castle

Hastings Borough Council is calling for experienced developers and operators to put forward their ideas and proposals to restore the West Hill Café to its full potential.

Our ambition is to find a partner who will work with the council to develop, build, operate and maintain the new building as a café, restaurant and an interpretation centre for telling the story of Hastings Castle.

Cllr Andy Batsford, lead councillor for Health and Culture, said: "This is a unique opportunity to lead the way in the transformation of the flagship project for the Hastings Town Investment Plan. I look forward to seeing plans to transform the West Hill Café site, incorporating an interpretation centre, which will significantly boost tourism and enhance the visitor experience overall.  Ensuring the castle site is a must-see destination for everyone and restoring the café to its full potential is very important for our town."

In 2021 Hastings was one of 101 UK towns to receive a share of the Government's Towns Fund to kick-start the regeneration of the town with funding of £24.3m. Earlier this year the Town Deal Board approved the project's business case and the council has allocated £3m of Town Deal money to invest in the project to improve the café as an interpretation facility with food and beverage provision and access to Hastings Castle with modest improvements within the castle itself. The council is now looking for experienced partners to help deliver the project.

Details for the Expression of Interest can be found on the Hastings Town Deal website.

Submissions will be open from 27 October until 8 December 2023.

If you have any questions, please contact TownDeal@Hastings.gov.uk