Funding bid for West Hill Lift to be discussed

Hastings Borough Council Cabinet members are to discuss a proposal to bid for National Lottery Heritage Funding (NLHF) to pay for structural surveys and feasibility studies to make the West Hill Lift more accessible.

The proposal is to apply for funding from the NLHF to establish the condition of the West Hill Lift (including the tunnel). If the bid is successful, there is potential to apply for further funding to carry out full refurbishment works identified by the surveys.

The lift is a vital transport link between the Old Town and Hastings Castle and the West Hill, but the lift carriages are not fully accessible. Making the lift more accessible and restoring it as a heritage asset would align with the wider Hastings Castle and West Hill Café project, which is also being discussed at the same Cabinet meeting. The café floor sits on the roof of the lift station at the top of the West Hill, so the projects are closely linked.

Cabinet will be meeting at Muriel Matters House from 6pm on Monday 2 September. If councillors agree to the funding bid being made, an application can be made at any time to the NLHF. Officers will be working to get an application in during October, with a decision expected in January 2025.

Cllr Julia Hilton, leader of the council, said: "We know how important the West Hill Lift is, both to our residents and visitors. The proposals to redevelop the West Hill Café and Hastings Castle mean it is even more important to make sure the lift is accessible to all and that it can be used by an increasing number of visitors.

"If we are successful in this funding bid, we will be able to commission full condition surveys to establish what is needed to make the lift fully accessible and fit for the future.  This will then enable further funding bids to help pay for these works. We will be seeking people's views on these future improvements of the lift as well as the plans for the Castle and West Hill Café and I look forward to hearing people's thoughts on these proposals."

Work on the East Hill Lift is almost complete, and the lift is due to reopen shortly, we apologise for the delays in reopening it.

You can read the full report online and watch the discussion online from 6pm on Monday 2 September. You can also attend in person at Muriel Matters House. The agenda also includes the monthly finance report and there will be the usual half an hour for public questions at the start of the meeting.