We support neighbourhood transformation while protecting diversity and inclusion. We take on challenging projects in difficult but much-loved buildings. We take action - we bring the buildings to life and animate the spaces for the common good. All this needs a constant pipeline of new people interested in taking on space and becoming part of the Commons.

At the moment we manage 11 rent-capped homes, 50+ workspaces and have over 120 tenants. In addition to Rock House and the Observer Building, we’ve transformed the Alley, including Rose Cottage, the Vaults and 10 Claremont, created Living Rents homes at 39 Cambridge Road, and are starting work at last to bring 12 Claremont and Eagle House back from dereliction.

Rock House

Rock House is where it all began! From dereliction, this 9 storey office block has been transformed into 6 living rent flats, 20 commercial units/workspaces and Ground Control which offers dedicated desks for start-ups, small business and local entrepreneurs.

Formerly known as Rothermere house, Rock House was built in 1969 as an extension to the next-door Observer Building. Closed by the Observer in 1985, it was run-down and nearly empty when purchased by Hastings Commons Neighbourhood Ventures in June 2014. The name was changed to Rock House in 2015 and its grand opening was held on the 4th March 2016.

Observer Building

The Observer Building is an enormous and precious building, consisting of 4,000 square metres across seven floors. Since it came into the Commons, vital repairs have been undertaken and the lower floors of the building are now fully refurbished. The building is opening in a phased approach - it currently offers affordable workspace and hot desking space, a 500-capacity venue and a creative technology hub called OBX. 1066 Crossfit gym occupy the large Alley Hall and future plans include creating capped rent housing on the upper floors and a public roof garden. Find out more on the OB website.

The building was built in 1924 by the Hastings Observer to be offices and print works for the newspaper ‘the Hastings & St Leonards Observer’. It was used for 61 years before the print market crashed and the building was closed. Most of the 13 previous owners since it closed made money from the building without investing in any significant repairs. One of our proudest days was being handed the keys on the 14th Feb 2019! IF_DO, Measur, Hastings Building Services and 8Build have worked on the major renovations at the OB.

12 Claremont

We have received funding enabling us to fully renovate the historic 12 Claremont. Renovations started in April 2024 and are due to be finished in March 2025. The building will become an inclusive creative hub with a gallery run by Project Art Works, and an international hosting and learning centre for people from across the country and the world to learn about commoning, community led regeneration and inclusive arts practice.

12 Claremont is a fine heritage building that was gutted in preparation for inclusion as part of the library renovation. Built in 1870, it was the first local home for the Parsons empire in the form of a bookbinding and engraving studio. Later the building had a variety of mixed uses including the town’s first telephone exchange, a venue for meetings and community events, and auction rooms.

Eagle House

Hastings Commons acquired Eagle House on a ‘development lease’ for 2 years, with an option to purchase which was concluded in November 2022 with support from the Towns Fund. The ground floor opened in September 2021 as ‘The Common Room’; a public living room and welcoming space where you can relax and spend time with people from different walks of life - without having to spend any money. Please note: The Common Room has currently relocated to the Mini Common Room in 10 Claremont due to renovations. Once renovations are complete in March 2025, the building will again be home to The Common Room, alongside youth space and affordable workspace.

Despite appearances, Eagle House is a historic building built in 1867 and used as a furniture shop from 1904. The company on the top floor lined coffins! In 1992 Peter Dalton acquired the property and ran a successful family carpet shop business for over 30 years before retiring.

Harpers Caves & Alley Gardens

Five sandstone caves carved into the White Rock cliff face were purchased from John Harper in January 2019, and the cliff has been stabilised with funding from Historic England. We have plans to install electricity and new doors so the caves can be used by local businesses.

The Alley Gardens are built on land owned by Neighbourhood Ventures and offer a little tranquillity at the end of The Alley. They were designed by Gary Baverstock and built by Darren French alongside Rock House tenants and other volunteers. Julia Hilton designed the 2nd phase which added more planters down the alley.