Download the press release here
Development funding of £357,400 has been awarded by HLF to enable the Trust to move to the next stage of its plans before a final decision is made on a full HLF grant of £8.75m.
HPWRT’s project involves the heritage-led transformation of the pier by restoring the substructure, deck and railings; and redeveloping the above deck. A restoration programme will preserve the Eugenius Birch structure, as well as introducing new structural elements. An accompanying education programme will deliver learning opportunities for all ages and include hands-on heritage learning and, in association with Sussex Coast College Hastings, apprenticeships to develop the next generation of pier engineers. Much of this will be run from a purpose-built Heritage Learning Centre on the pier.
The commercial programme involves establishing the People’s Pier Company, a community-shareholder owned management company run by an experienced leisure management team, to manage the pier. The commercial and educational activities will provide employment and volunteering opportunities for Hastings.
By the end of this project, the pier will be structurally sound and a great investment platform for the future, a catalyst for the economic, social and cultural regeneration of Hastings and the British seaside.
This is a great moment to celebrate the ‘dogged persistence’ of the local trust and the wider community over the past five years, especially now that the new Hastings Pier Charity has received charitable status.
This project is a real opportunity for the local community – including residents, businesses, and schools – as well as visitors and supporters from all over the world to continue their great work in helping to save this much-loved structure and reinvent it for future generations.
Angela Davis, HPWRT trustee who led the application said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is supporting our project. This news strengthens our resolve to continue working with Hastings Borough Council to secure the pier’s ownership so we can deliver the vision of an iconic pier for Hastings.”
Jess Steele, Treasurer, added: “The Battle for Hastings Pier isn’t over yet and the Trust needs your support as much as ever, including raising the essential match funding. So please sign up as a member, sponsor a plank or become a volunteer. As the banner on the People’s Pier says: ‘You Can Save Me!’”
Stuart McLeod, Head of HLF South East, said: “The Heritage Lottery Fund was extremely impressed by the Hastings Pier & White Rock Trust’s ability to mobilise enthusiastic support from the town’s local community for this innovative project. It was evident to us that this was a historic structure that people really cared about. The Trust is right at the start of their journey to fully restore the Pier and we look forward to working closely with them in the coming months as their plans begin to take further shape.”
