Hastings Commons: taking action for the common good

Hastings Commons has emerged over 10 years from DIY action by local residents and social entrepreneurs responding to the twin problems of extreme dereliction and the threat of gentrification. This was an area of forgotten history and neglected assets, poor quality accommodation and businesses struggling with low footfall.

It all began with Rock House: transforming a 9-storey office block from dereliction into a thriving hub of affordable flats and commercial units/workspaces for start-ups, small business and local entrepreneurs.

After this proof-of-concept building, Hastings Commons began working with more funders and local partners, including Hastings Borough Council, and set up a Community Land Trust alongside its social enterprise development company. 

Today, 12 buildings and spaces (over 9,000 square metres) are being brought to life by Hastings Commons, including 3 large key historic buildings such as the much loved and iconic Observer Building. The revived spaces will host workspaces, rent-capped homes (to sustain affordability in the long term) and leisure/event space.  

Funding has been secured from nearly 100 separate grant, loan and social investment awards, from more than 50 funders. Totalling almost £30 million, the majority of these funds would not have otherwise come to Hastings. Key funders include South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP), Historic England, Connecting Hastings & Rother Together (CHART) European Regional Development Fund (EDRF), and the Hastings Town Deal.

Hastings Commons prioritises and maximises community benefit at every stage of the process. They use an ‘organic phased development’ approach to allow spaces to be used before full completion, and create opportunities for training, learning and community action to improve local skills and employment. As they develop one of their buildings into an artists’ space, Hastings Commons is working closely with Project Art Works, a collection of neurodiverse artists and activists.

"It’s vital we grow and sustain Hastings Commons as a local community asset now and for future generations.

We want this unique part of Hastings to be recognised and valued, affordable and inclusive, with widespread profits reinvested locally to benefit the area."

— Jess Steele, Founder, Hastings Commons