The Parchment Trust announced yesterday that it had made ‘the very difficult decision’ to back away from plans to reopen The Bridge Community Centre in Priory Road.

The charity blames the government’s decision to increase what it costs employers in National Insurance, according to the Trust those increases mean that it cannot afford to pay for another site.

A detailed statement from the Trust explained: “As a local charity, our ambition for The Bridge was to bring it back to life as the UK’s first community centre run by disabled people for the benefit of everyone. For our members, this would have provided a unique, supported environment for work and social opportunity.”

?The charity had hoped to have had The Bridge up and running again some time ago but issues beyond their control got in the way, the Trust says: “Due to complications beyond our control, it took nearly seven years to secure full ownership of the site. Once this was done in March 2024, we worked hard on bids and grants to renovate the site but the larger funding opportunities became unavailable due to the election.

“We invested huge amounts of time and resource into the building with a view to getting it ready for an opening in 2025. This included tackling a large-scale moth infestation, renewing the fire equipment and intruder alarms and other essential works. We received a grant through the Hastings Skills Capital Fund and used it to develop a wonderful reception area, a skills suite and meetings room.

“We were almost at the point where we could plan the final works and open the top floor, when we heard the news of the increased duties on employers for National Insurance and minimum wage. Along with other charities and state-funded Adult Social Care providers, we were hopeful that central government would step in with some sort of relief, but by April 1st 2025, it was clear that no such support would be forthcoming.

“As one of Hastings’ largest employers, the impact of the National Insurance increase is considerable. As a direct result, Trustees have concluded that we have to let The Bridge go; the additional cost of running a third site is now too great. This was an extremely difficult decision after years of hard work and investment, but this is essential in order to keep our core charitable services safe.”

?The Parchment Trust says it is exploring options for finding a new owner for The Bridge: “Our ideal scenario would be to find an organisation that shares our values and purpose of supporting better lives, with positive impact on people in and around the Hastings area.”

?The Trust makes clear that this decision does not impact it’s other sites in the town: “We will continue to run wonderful services from our other two sites, where our dedicated team support the individual needs, hopes and ambitions of 180 disabled people every week. We will find ways to invest in these sites and create equally valuable, but different future opportunities for our members. We will continue to welcome the community into our plant nursery, Friary Gardeners, on The Ridge, so that everyone can connect to support better lives.”

?The Parchment Trust says it will keep everyone updated on its website https://www.parchment-trust.org.uk/the-bridge