Proposals for new leisure facilities, a purpose built theatre plus housing, open space and new retail areas are just some of the ideas up for discussion as the consultation process around the Hasting Town Centre and Bohemia Area Action Plan.

Hastings Borough Council (HBC) launched its 12 week consultation process at the beginning of July and there are now just four weeks left for local people to have their say.

The council has arranged an extra drop-in session as part of consultation programme to take place next Saturday, September 8th, between 10.30am and 12.30pm in the Council Chambers at Muriel Matters House.

Kim Forward, deputy leader of Hastings Borough Council and lead councillor for regeneration and culture said this week: “The purpose of the Area Action Plan is to provide a planning framework for the Hastings town centre and Bohemia area including the provision of new leisure, housing, employment and retail development. The drop-in session is an opportunity to view the plan, ask questions and find out how to submit your comments.”

The plan can also be viewed and comments left online at www.hastings.gov.uk/aapconsultation

The draft document is also available to view throughout the 12 week consultation period at the Community Contact Centre, Queens Square, the Tourist Information Centre, Muriel Matters House and Hastings Library.

The action plan will cover the period up to 2033 and reflects the latest retails needs assessment

Key issues to be identified by the action plan include

• New employment and business opportunities
• New and improved leisure and cultural facilities
• New high quality homes
• Creating higher visitor numbers
• Developing a positive perception of Hastings as a place to visit and invest in

Some of the key items to be included in are

• In the region of 12,500 sq metres of floorspace within or adjoining the primary shopping area
• In the region of 3,500 sq metres of convenience goods floorspace
• New housing providing a range of housing types and tenures as part of mixed use development schemes
• New and improved leisure and cultural facilities
• New and improved public spaces and pedestrian/cycle links
• Hotels and visitor facilities
• Employment and education space including workspace for creative industries
• Opportunities for cafés and restaurants adjoining the primary shopping area and wider seafront/Bohemia area

• To read our original story follow the link below
• https://hastingsinfocus.co.uk/2018/06/11/consultation-on-the-future-of-town-centre-launches-in-july/