Update on the future of St Mary in the Castle

Hastings Borough Council is pleased to update on the next stage of work to secure the future of St Mary in the Castle, following the recent call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs). 

The council has received a strong and wide-ranging response to its invitation for ideas on the future use of St Mary in the Castle. The submissions reflect significant creativity, care and ambition, and demonstrate the importance of the building to both local communities and the wider cultural sector. 

Given the quality and diversity of the responses, the council, supported by specialist advisers, is now undertaking a detailed evaluation of the submissions. This work is focused on understanding how different ideas could support the long-term care of the building, deliver cultural and community benefit, and operate in a financially sustainable way.  

It is clear that further work is required to clarify the level of investment needed in the building, alongside the development of more detailed and robust business plans, to support a sustainable long-term future for St Mary in the Castle. This work will enable the council to prepare a clearer and more comprehensive brief for interested parties, should it decide to progress to any future formal invitations to tender or partnership opportunities.  

In parallel, the council has commissioned a comprehensive building condition survey and lifecycle cost assessment. This work will provide a clear picture of the repairs and investment required to safeguard the building’s future and will inform decisions about next steps. 

Cllr Julia Hilton, lead councillor for shaping place and local government reorganisation, said: “We are pleased to have received so many responses from a wide range of organisations who are interested in working with us on the future of St Mary in the Castle. Thank you to everyone who took the time to do this, and to the wider public for your continued interest in this project. 

“We are aware that the condition survey of the building is an essential next piece of work. This should be completed in May, which will give more detailed information about the work that needs to be done to St Mary in the Castle to secure its future. Once we have the results of the survey and have a clearer sense of the investment required, we will be back in touch with those who expressed an interest. 

“We remain committed to finding a long-term solution for St Mary in the Castle that balances heritage conservation, cultural activity, community access and commercial resilience. As custodian of this Grade II* listed building, the council is also focused on preventing further deterioration and protecting this landmark for future generations.” 

Importantly, this work is being considered alongside the council’s wider plans for the seafront and town centre, including work to repair the roof, which forms the frontage of the houses and the roof of Pelham Arcade. Aligning future uses for St Mary in the Castle with these wider works will help ensure a joined-up approach that improves access, enhances the visitor experience, and supports regeneration across the area. 

Once the evaluation and technical work are complete, the council will share a further update on the outcomes and proposed next steps with stakeholders and the wider community. This work is progressing well and is expected to conclude over the coming weeks. 

Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.