Following the recent announcement that National Insurance increases had scuppered the Parchment Trust’s plans to open The Bridge Community Centre, the charity has explained to Hastings In Focus the process they are taking for a sale and how they will use the proceeds to support local disabled people at their other sites, including Friary Gardeners which offers mutual benefit to the general public.

What does Parchment Trust do?

Parchment Trust is a registered charity that has been providing essential day services to disabled adults in and around the Hastings area for over 30 years. Every week 180 adults with learning disabilities, autism and profound and complex needs are supported to access and contribute to the community. The charity is often described as a lifeline for some of Hastings’ most vulnerable people and their families.

Why did Parchment Trust take on The Bridge?

The vision was to expand Parchment Trust’s services, to create the UKs first community centre run by disabled people for the benefit of the whole community. This would have provided valuable work experience for disabled people and a wonderful resource for everyone to connect, learn and benefit from time together. It was an ambitious but exciting plan which was well within the charity’s means when the project began.

Why was Parchment Trust unable to open The Bridge?

When Parchment Trust was chosen as the next owner of The Bridge back in 2018, the legal transfer of ownership was unclear – it was an extremely lengthy and complicated process with several parties involved.

As soon as the charity gained full ownership 18 months ago (in March 2024), the team took action to get things moving; they made a plan in consultation with the local community, invested lots of money to repair the building and raised funds to renovate the top floor. The plan was to open to the public in the summer of 2025. However, the increase in employers National Insurance contributions and raising of the minimum wage in the budget, that came in to effect in April 2025 was so significant that the charity was unable to continue with the plans to renovate and run The Bridge without de-railing its central services. This was the final straw after recent years of squeezed funding from central government for Adult Social Care.

So what happens next?

Parchment Trust is now on a mission to find a new owner, so that:

• The Bridge can be re-opened as soon as possible, which is long overdue and very important to the community

• The charity can recover some of its losses and invest the money back into projects like Friary Gardeners, its plant nursery which is also open to the public. This site benefits Parchment Trust members and local people who visit to enjoy the beautiful plants and inclusive atmosphere, supporting wellbeing for all.

In terms of a process, the charity is following the guidance set out by its regulator, The Charities Commission. This means that The Bridge is now available for sale, with an asking price of £650,000, in line with an independent valuation.

The Bridge is situated on Priory Road. It was designed and built in 2006 as an eco building, measuring approximately 5,400 square feet over three floors with substantial outside space and gardens. The site has covenants for community use, so any new owner will need to ensure the building offers public benefit for local people.

All enquiries should be made through agent Dyer and Hobbis. Details of the building and the sale will be available from 26th September 2025.

www.dyerandhobbis.com

01424 423 626