Planning permission granted for new Hastings Castle Visitor Centre
Artist's impression of the proposed Hastings Castle Visitor Centre, courtesy of Poroban Architects
Plans for a landmark new visitor centre at the West Hill Cafe site have taken an important step forward after Hastings Borough Council's Planning Committee approved planning permission for the development.
The proposals, which will see the existing West Hill Café building replaced with a modern visitor centre, café and restaurant, form a key part of the Town Deal-funded project. The new facilities are designed to improve the visitor experience while supporting the long-term conservation and future of one of Hastings' most important historic landmarks.
Submitted by Troika Projects, the new operators of Hastings Castle, the scheme is central to a wider vision to transform West Hill into an enhanced cultural and visitor destination for both residents and tourists.
The Planning Committee approved the application at its meeting on Wednesday, 8 July.
The plans have been shaped through public engagement, with consultation events held throughout the design process. Feedback from residents and stakeholders has helped inform the proposals as the project has developed.
Celia Farrar, of Troika Projects, said: "We're delighted that the Planning Committee has recognised the potential of these proposals and the positive impact they can have on the future of the Hastings Castle and West Hill project. This is an important milestone in creating a welcoming, accessible visitor centre that reflects the significance of this remarkable historic site. On behalf of the project team, we would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to engage with the proposals so far, and we look forward to continuing to work with the council, Historic England and the local community as the project moves forward."
Councillor Julia Hilton, Deputy Leader of Hastings Borough Council and lead councillor for Shaping Places and Community Wealth Building, said: "This is a significant milestone for the West Hill Project and another positive step in delivering this flagship Town Deal project. The new visitor centre will become a key part of the experience of visiting the West Hill, Hastings Castle and the West Hill Lift.
It will help safeguard one of our most important heritage assets and put it back at the heart of our history as a town as well as attracting more visitors to enjoy everything Hastings has to offer."
Images below courtesy of Poroban Architects
The proposals have also been reviewed by Historic England, which has raised no objection to the plans. As the project progresses, further heritage approvals, including Scheduled Monument Consent, will be secured to ensure the development protects and enhances the nationally significant historic site.
While planning permission is an important milestone, a number of statutory processes remain before work can begin.
What's next?
As the project progresses, a separate statutory process will consider the proposed disposal of a small area of open space to the south-west of the existing café. The land is required to accommodate a small extension to the new visitor centre building and will be considered by Hastings Borough Council's Planning Committee in August, following the required public consultation.
Details can be viewed here.
Find out more
You can find out more about the Town Deal-funded West Hill Project, including plans for the new visitor centre, café and restaurant, on Troika's West Hill Project website.
Notes
The report from the planning committee meeting will be published here.
The full application and supporting documents can be viewed here.
The West Hill Project is funded through the Government's Hastings Town Deal programme.