Future Use of Sandhurst Recreation Ground

Invitation to Sports Clubs and Community Sports Organisations 

Expression of Interest 

Hastings Borough Council is inviting Expressions of Interest from sports clubs, community organisations and National Governing Bodies interested in the use, management and development of sports pitches at Sandhurst Recreation Ground. 

Before determining the future investment requirements of the site, the council wishes to better understand the level of demand for sports pitch provision, the types of organisations interested in using the site, and the potential for community-led management or development opportunities. 

The council is seeking partners who can bring regular sporting activity back to the site, increase participation in sport and physical activity, and deliver long-term community benefit. We are particularly interested in hearing from organisations with ambitions to grow participation, develop junior and youth pathways, and establish a sustainable presence within Hastings. 

This opportunity may be suitable for organisations seeking additional pitch capacity, a long-term base, opportunities for growth, or community management arrangements 

The council is developing a longer-term strategy for the site and is seeking information to help inform decisions over the next three to ten years. 

Sandhurst Recreation Ground has a long history as a community sports venue, previously accommodating football and cricket activity. The council now wishes to explore opportunities to bring the pitches back into regular and productive use, ensuring the site once again plays an active role in supporting grassroots sport, health and wellbeing across Hastings. 

Organisations are invited to submit proposals demonstrating how they would utilise the pitches, increase participation, support community outcomes and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the site. Successful proposals should show a clear vision for developing sport at Sandhurst and creating opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities to get active and participate in organised sport. 

The council welcomes proposals that deliver wider community benefits beyond traditional club activity, including opportunities for schools, women and girls, people with disabilities, health programmes and broader community participation. 

The opportunity 

The council is seeking proposals from organisations interested in: 

• Regular use of sports pitches;
• Seasonal or long-term occupation;
• Development of new teams and participation programmes;
• Youth and junior sport development;
• Community sport initiatives;
• Increasing participation amongst women and girls;
• Supporting wider health and wellbeing outcomes. 

The council is particularly interested in proposals that can demonstrate long-term sustainability and significant community benefit. 

About the site 

Sandhurst Recreation Ground is an established outdoor sports site within Hastings and provides a significant opportunity for organised pitch-based sport. 

The site has historically accommodated football and cricket activity and benefits from a significant area of open sports pitch provision. The council is open to exploring a range of future sporting uses that maximise participation, community benefit and long-term sustainability. 

The council is seeking proposals from organisations interested in establishing, growing or relocating sporting activity at Sandhurst Recreation Ground. Interested organisations should outline: 

• The sport(s) proposed to be delivered;
• The number of teams requiring use of the site;
• Current membership numbers;
• Projected growth in participation over the next three to five years;
• Pitch and facility requirements;
• Training and matchday requirements;
• Preferred occupation arrangements, including licence or lease options;
• Any investment, funding or in-kind resources the organisation may be able to bring to the site;
• The wider community benefits that would be generated through use of the facility. 

Organisations wishing to arrange a site visit or discuss their proposal prior to submission are encouraged to contact the council.

Please note that the existing pavilion facilities are currently unavailable for use and the council is reviewing future options for sports infrastructure on the site. The purpose of this Expression of Interest is to help inform future decisions regarding the long-term role, facilities and investment requirements of Sandhurst Recreation Ground. 

Information required 

Expressions of Interest should include: 

• Organisation Information
• Organisation name
• Contact details
• Legal status
• Governance arrangements
• Relevant experience
• Sporting proposal
• Description of proposed use
• Current and projected membership
• Number of teams
• Number of pitches required (now and in three to five years)
• Target user groups
• Community benefits.

Facilities requirements 

To help the council understand future investment needs for the site, please outline any facilities that would be required to support your proposal. 

Please indicate: 

• Whether changing accommodation would be required.
• Whether social or community space would be required.
• Whether storage, catering or other ancillary facilities would be needed.
• Whether your proposal could operate using existing facilities, or whether future investment would be required.
• Any accessibility requirements that should be considered.
• Whether your organisation would be interested in a licence, lease or longer-term community management arrangement for the site. 

Please provide as much detail as possible:

• Financial sustainability
• Evidence of organisational sustainability.
• Current sources of income.
• Recent financial performance (where appropriate).
• Any known financial risks or challenges.
• Existing funding secured or funding opportunities currently being explored. 

Investment and funding 

To help the council understand the viability of future investment at the site, please outline: 

• Any funding already secured.
• Any grant funding opportunities available through your governing body (e.g. Football Foundation, ECB, RFU, Sport England).
• Any capital contribution your organisation may be willing to make towards future improvements.
• Any in-kind support or volunteer resources available.
• Any previous experience of delivering capital projects or managing grant funding. 

Future development 

• Vision for the use of the site over the next three to five years
• Opportunities to increase participation
• Partnerships with schools, community groups or governing bodies.

Long-term commitment 

Please outline: 

• The level of commitment your organisation would be willing to make to the site.
• Whether you would be interested in:  
• Hiring facilities only;
• A licence agreement;
• A long-term lease; or
• Exploring asset transfer or community management opportunities. 

Assessment criteria 

Expressions of Interest will be assessed against:

• Community benefit
• Ability to increase participation in sport and physical activity
• Organisational capacity and sustainability
• Track record of delivery
• Long-term commitment to the site
• Alignment with the council's objectives for sport and recreation.

Submission process 

Expressions of Interest should be no more than four pages and submitted electronically to: 

Strategicprojects@Hastings.gov.uk 

Submission Deadline: Friday 8 January 2027.

If your organisation needs more time to gather all the information required, please get in touch and let us know what you can submit.

Next steps

Following assessment of submissions, the council may invite shortlisted organisations to further discussions regarding potential use and future management arrangements for sports pitches at Sandhurst Recreation Ground. 

Hastings Borough Council reserves the right not to proceed with any proposal and this Expression of Interest does not constitute an offer of tenancy, licence or lease.