News & Thoughts

Hastings Commons were pleased to commission live illustration artist Esther Springett to sketch a piece during the recent Radical Retrofit workshop which was held on 18th July as part of the Centenary Celebration for the Observer Building. Esther is a multidisciplinary artist, filmmaker and creative producer based in Hastings, UK. Esther’s practice is social and often stems...Continue reading→

Read about IF_DO’s transformation of the Observer Building, alongside Hastings Commons in the Architects’ Journal.

In the Observer Building’s centenary year, works to restore the façade of the building are now complete. Designed by architect Henry Ward and built in 1924, the Observer Building is a historically important building that housed FJ Parsons’ printworks, home of the Hastings & St Leonards Observer. The printworks closed in 1984, leading to a cycle of...Continue reading→

Are you a young person aged 16-24 interested in creative technology? We are looking for someone to help the OBX team with technical support in running workshops, talks, exhibitions and arts projects. OBX is the creative technology hub within Hastings Commons, based on the mezzanine floor of the Observer Building and often runs its events...Continue reading→

Read about how Hastings Commons provides spaces for young people and those with disabilities in Hazel Sheffield’s piece in the Guardian: ‘People tell me they’re not ready to work’: how long-term sickness blighted a town

What are CLT’s? Community Land Trusts (or CLT’s) are democratic, non-profit organisations through which local/ordinary people can own land and buildings (assets) together for the long-term benefit of their own community. As the community owns these assets, they also get to make decisions about them which are based on shared principles and aims that benefit...Continue reading→

ermission has been given, contractors have been appointed and renovation has finally begun on three Hastings Commons properties: 12 Claremont, Eagle House, and the rooftop of the Observer Building. Through the experienced hands of Hastings Commons, whose unique regeneration approach has been crafted over more than 15 years of local action, these previously neglected buildings...Continue reading→

We are looking for flexible, energetic staff to join our dynamic hospitality team in the Observer Building. The OB is a mixed-use space, managed by community-led regeneration organisation Hastings Commons. The Observer Building has a large events space and café where we host a variety of events, ranging from markets, to birthday/engagement parties, art exhibitions...Continue reading→

Read about IF_DO’s plans for Eagle House, by Anna Highfield in the Architects’ Journal. Read the full piece here.

A new book, published by Hastings Commons and chronicling the rise, fall and rescue of the historic Observer Building, in honour of its 100th birthday, is to be launched on 20th March. The Observer Building has stood as an imposing building on the corner of Cambridge Road since opening in 1924. Part of the Parsons publishing...Continue reading→