The Observatory Opens: A Rooftop Summer Pop-up Bar with a View and a Mission
A century after the iconic Observer Building first opened, its long-forgotten rooftop is being reclaimed – not just as a bar, but as a bold new community space in the sky. The Observatory, a striking new rooftop bar and street food venue, opens to the public on 9 August 2025 for five weeks, offering panoramic...Continue reading→
While the government plans its strategy, youth clubs like ours could soon be lost
Opinion piece about the necessity of organisations such as our Hastings Youth Commons in the Big Issue
Callout for Expressions of Interest: Write-up of our Shared Heritage Action Plan for Everyone (SHAPE)
Since September 2024 Hastings Commons has been engaged in a ‘deep listening’ project, researching which elements of local heritage matter to the local community. With the support of Historic England we’re developing a community-led heritage strategy and action plan for the area from Rock-A-Nore in the east to the former bathing pool at West St...Continue reading→
Hastings Commons wins a Pineapples Award
Hastings Commons has been awarded a Golden Pineapple and a joint first place position for ‘Place in Progress’. The prestigious Pineapples awards recognise built and future projects and initiatives that make a positive impact on places and people. This year there were 110 projects shortlisted across 18 award categories.Continue reading→
Creating strong communities: Housing developments new-old problem
Creating strong communities: Housing developments new-old problem in Newstart Magazine
Expression of interest for consultants for: St Mary in the Castle
Hastings Commons is a heritage development trust (one of 19 around the country). In that role we support other groups to tackle challenging heritage issues. Last year we convened a public meeting to try to find a way forward for the much-loved St Mary in the Castle and since then we’ve been supporting a passionate...Continue reading→
Hastings Artists Use Virtual Reality to Step Into a Fantastical World
A ground-breaking immersive Virtual Reality (VR) experience, The Tell-Tale Rooms, comes to OBX at Hastings Commons in Hastings, from 13 to 18 March. The film and exhibition invite audiences to step into the extraordinary world of visually impaired, neurodivergent Hastings based artist Eden Kötting. Blending animation, archive footage, and live action, this 360° VR film takes viewers...Continue reading→
A New Dawn for Community-Driven Housing
Hastings Commons, a bold and inspiring example of what happens when a community takes charge of its own future, has won the prestigious 2025 Gold World Habitat Award in partnership with UN-Habitat. Instead of relying on traditional developers or the local authority, Hastings Commons brings unused buildings back to life as homes, workspaces, and social hubs....Continue reading→
Interest welcome for 12 Claremont and Eagle House!
Expressions of interest are being sought for two historical properties currently being renovated by community organisation Hastings Commons. 12 Claremont: INTEREST WELCOME 12 Claremont (next to the Library) is currently undergoing full renovation and will be completed in summer 2025. Built in 1870 and originally a meeting place known as the Claremont Rooms, 12 Claremont...Continue reading→
We are the Gold WHA 2025 Winners!
Hastings Commons have been awarded gold in the prestigious 2025 World Habitat Award in partnership with UN-Habitat. This marks Hastings as the only place in the UK to be recognised amongst the nine winning global projects. The World Habitat awards were established in 1985 to celebrate, identify and promote good habitat practices. This year, entries were received from 55...Continue reading→