Hastings Castle World Heritage Destination

Arts, Culture & Heritage

 

Project Description 

This is our flagship, signature project for the whole Hastings Town Investment Plan. The project that will capture the imagination, and the project that can drive a step change in the performance of the south coast’s visitor economy.

Hastings Castle stands above the town on the site from which Duke William of Normandy launched his 1066 invasion. His legacy has left a permanent mark on our culture and art, politics, language and law all laying the foundations from which modern British society has been built. This legacy has grown around the legend of William, however, in Hastings, his story is not well told.

Hastings Castle stands as a neglected, inaccessible ruin. Executed well, a modern interpretative attraction will provide the inspiration to bring Hastings’ visitor offer together. Combined with existing facilities and the new town centre projects it will create a ‘critical mass’ of visitor attractions in the town.

 

Project Justification

Before the COVID pandemic, annual visitor numbers to the Castle were around 30,000. Hastings Castle simply does not feature on most visitors’ itineraries, nor do local people understand its importance. Nearby Smugglers’ Adventure attracts c100,000 visitors, Bodiam Castle and Battle Abbey both attract well over 150,000; Leeds Castle at 560,000; Stirling Castle at 380,000, Dover Castle at 350,000, and Tintagel Castle 190,000. All show what could be possible, and the scale of the current missed opportunity.

Tourism is already a very important part of the town and wider sub-regional economy accounting for c. 22% of the jobs in the town. Calculations of 250,000 visitors show the potential to boost Hastings and the south coast visitor economy: conservative projections show that with this projected boost 1,500 jobs and at £100m per annum economic value can be generated.

• Brings a significant local asset and its story to life

• Makes full use of our history and cultural assets

• New opportunities for communities to engage, participate, learn and influence the development of the castle

• Need to address access for all

• Capitalises on historical significance to enhance the visitor offer

• Fosters a sense of ownership and connection by the community

 

❝ The Castle has historical significance but there is very little to see and it takes about ten minutes to walk around.

— Trip Advisor Review

 

❝ It currently offers a poor visitor experience...with investment, Hastings Castle could become a visitor attraction of national and international significance, benefitting Hastings, 1066 Country, and the wider south east.

— Stewart Drew, Chair of
Visit 1066 County marketing

 

Outputs & Outcomes

  • Target visitors to Hastings Castle 250,000

  • South coast visitor economy 20% boost

  • Projected 1,500 jobs

  • £100m economic outputs pa.

  • Creates a step-change in the town’s visitor heritage offer

  • Makes Hastings Castle and heritage more accessible

  • Contributes to the regeneration of the town centre

  • Creates a diverse mix of heritage visitor attractions in the town and wider 1066 Country

  • Restore the West Hill Café and create an interpretation centre to enhance the visitor experience

Key Milestones

In October 2023, the council launched the Hastings Castle and West Hill Cafe Expression of Interest for the redevelopment of the Castle site which included the West Hill Cafe. The ambition is to create an interpretation facility for telling the story of Hastings Castle.

Full details and a link to the Expression of Interest document can be found here

The expression of interest is now closed and submissions have been reviewed.

In March 2024 the council has launched a Request for Proposals for the redevelopment of the West Hill Café, including an interpretation experience to tell the story of Hastings Castle.

Following the Expression of Interest launched in October last year, we would like to appoint an experienced partner within the Cultural Assets sector, to develop, build, operate, and maintain the West Hill Café as a quality food and beverage facility as well as a springboard for innovative education and experience telling the story of Hastings Castle.

Full details can be found here

Please use link below to view the Hastings Castle and West Hill Café prospectus

Hastings Castle & West Hill Café prospectus March 2024

If you would like to submit a proposal or view the full suite of documents (method statements and supporting documentation) please register via the Wealden Procurement Hub here

Any questions or clarifications should be sent to TownDeal@hastings.gov.uk by 12 noon on the 6 May 2024. Frequently asked questions will be collated and added to the Town Deal blog page so please ensure you check for any updates.

If you would like to talk about this in more detail, please contact Julian at Blue Horizons Ventures on 07584 102287.

Submissions will be open from 25 March until 12 noon 3 June 2024. Please submit your proposal including all required documentation to TownDeal@hastings.gov.uk