Hastings Borough Council’s West Hill Lift project gains support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Hastings Borough Council has received initial support* from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the West Hill Lift Project. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the project aims to secure the long-term future of the Grade II listed Lift, improve accessibility and reliability, enhance the visitor experience, and strengthen links with Hastings Castle and the West Hill Café and Visitor Centre to create a joined-up heritage destination. 

Development funding of £531,000 has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The funding is to help Hastings Borough Council progress our plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant at a later date, to help fund the multi-million-pound delivery of the work needed.  

The West Hill Lift was first opened in 1891 and still features its original wooden Victorian carriages. It carries passengers from George Street up to the West Hill to Hastings Castle. With improvements to the castle and West Hill Café funded by Hastings Town Deal and Hastings Borough Council, the lift will play a vital role in connecting visitors. 

Cllr Julia Hilton, deputy leader of Hastings Borough Council and lead councillor for regeneration, shaping place and community wealth building, said: “I’m delighted we have been successful in receiving this funding. Securing the future of the West Hill Lift is a vital part of whole Hastings Castle and West Hill Café Town Deal project. We are very grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players for this grant, which will allow us to complete the detailed design work and planning consents we need to make a further bid for funding to fully restore the West Hill Lift.” 

Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to give our initial support to the historic West Hill Lift thanks to National Lottery players. As one of Hastings’ most treasured landmarks, the Lift has played an important role in connecting people with the town’s heritage. This investment will help Hastings Borough Council develop proposals to conserve the Grade II listed lift, improve accessibility and celebrate its connection to Hastings and its people. By investing in the community, we can help ensure heritage continues to inspire pride, support learning and bring people together. We look forward to working with the team as they progress their plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant at a later date.” 

Notes to editors  

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund  

*Grant applications over £250,000 are assessed in two rounds. West Hill Lift Project has initially been granted round one development funding of £531,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals are then considered by the Heritage Fund at second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award. 

Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why as the largest funder for the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past. 

By 2033 we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities. 

heritagefund.org.uk 

Follow @HeritageFundUK on Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLottery #HeritageFund 

Further information 

For further information, images and interviews please contact Hannah Collins at Hastings Borough Council on 01424 451429 or communications@hastings.gov.uk.