The Hastings Pier & White Rock 
Trust had always planned to run a Sponsor a Plank fund-raising effort for the Pier, but with recent events encouraging more of the public to ask how they can help, we have decided to bring this forward with a view to using this money as matched funding for larger grants from funders such as the Heritage Lottery. Should other funding not materialise, the money is returned to the plank sponsors.
The current Pier is listed purely due to structural columns which are situated in the central section of the Pier (originally behind the three towers which were on the facia of the central section). These columns were part of the original 1870′s Pier designed by Eugenius Birch and built with funds raised by members of the community. The reason the columns are important is that they utilised a new patented method of screwing the columns (or pilings) into the ground beneath – therefore making the Hastings Pier structure stronger and this construction process is now a standard within the industry (it is also this element which would make the Pier’s demolition so expensive). This listing means that, although the buildings on top have been destroyed, there is still a chance of obtaining funding to build a new pier, provided that these important columns are not damaged beyond repair.
The Sponsor a Plank concept allows you to choose a message of up to 30 words which are printed on a plaque and placed on a plank in a visible deck area. This concept has been used to successfully raise funds for Piers such as Swanage and Southport.
So if you would like to play a part in building a new Pier for Hastings and are interested in pledging £50 or more to sponsor a plank in the event that the columns are viable, please complete the following, or visit the White Rock Hotel opposite the Pier, or call the office on 01424 435587. Pledges can be accepted by groups of people, community groups, schools and companies, not just individuals.
