A new visitor centre at the site of the abandoned West Hill Café moved a step closer this week as planning peermission was approved.

Approved by Hastings Borough Council’s Planning Committee on July 8th, the proposals will see the existing West Hill Café replaced with a modern visitor centre, café and restaurant. The development will, according to developers, ‘improve the visitor experience while supporting the long-term conservation and sustainable future of one of Hastings’ most important historic landmarks’.

The application was submitted by Troika Projects, the new operators of Hastings Castle, as part of a wider vision to transform West Hill into a cultural and visitor destination.

Public consultation played a significant part of the development of the proposals that have now been given a green light by planners. Feedback from residents and heritage organisations helped inform the scheme as it has evolved.

Celia Farrar, of Troika Projects, said: “We’re delighted that the Planning Committee… recognised the potential of these proposals and the positive impact they can have on the future of the Hastings Castle and West Hill project. This is an important milestone in creating a welcoming, accessible visitor centre that reflects the significance of this remarkable historic site.”

Councillor Julia Hilton, Deputy Leader of Hastings Borough Council and lead councillor for Shaping Places and Community Wealth Building, said: “This is a significant milestone for the West Hill Project and another positive step in delivering this flagship project. It will help safeguard one of our most important heritage assets and put it back at the heart of our history as a town as well as attracting more visitors to enjoy everything Hastings has to offer.”

Historic England has reviewed the proposals and raised no objection to the plans. As the project progresses, further heritage approvals, including Scheduled Monument Consent, will be secured to ensure the development protects and enhances this nationally significant historic site.

While planning permission is an important milestone, a number of statutory processes remain before construction can begin. These include a separate process relating to the proposed disposal of a small area of open space to the south-west of the existing café, which is required to accommodate a modest extension to the new building. The proposal will be considered by Hastings Borough Council’s Planning Committee following the required public consultation.

The West Hill Project is funded through the Government’s Hastings Town Deal programme, which is investing in projects that strengthen the local economy, celebrate the town’s heritage and create lasting benefits for local communities.