Campaign to save Myplace

We have disappointingly been informed that all further work on the Hastings Myplace scheme should be put on hold pending a decision from the new Government as to whether the funding will still be available.

The loss of this opportunity to create a step change in the provision of universal youth provision for the young people of Hastings would have a huge impact.

It also puts the future of the iconic St Mary in the Castle in question once again.

Further, our scheme would have made a major contribution to the cultural and economic regeneration of Hastings providing access for young people to state of the art performance space, rehearsal space, and development opportunities in all aspects of arts, music, media and performance activity. The project would have created around 20 jobs for local people and countless volunteering and training opportunities for everyone.

The project would have created a once in a generation opportunity for young people to lead on the building of inter-generational links in the community through their management and development of this exciting facility, as well as an opportunity to preserve and protect the valuable heritage site for the benefit of current and future residents and visitors to the town.

Co-ordinators of the various Myplace schemes across the country are actively lobbying, and Hastings Youth Council will be leading its own local campaign - please add your voice to ours to ensure that the needs and aspirations of young people are not forgotten in these pressing economic times.

Please contact me to add your voice to our campaign.

Myplace Stage Two Architects

We are pleased to announce that Dunn and CTM have been appointed as the second stage architects for the Hastings Myplace project. We were very happy working with them during stage 1 and therefore pleased that they got through the robust stage 2 selection process which was advertised across Europe.

We hope to soon receive word from the funders as to whether they will convert our in-principle grant into 'real' money in order that we can progress this exciting project.

Unfortunately BIG's decision has been somewhat delayed and we have not received any indication of the scheduled decision date, however we are in regular communication with them and we are hopeful that the news that planning permission has been granted will help them to progress their decision making.

Myplace at St Mary in the Castle receives planning permission

Just a quick update to let you know that last night Hastings Borough Council's planning committee unanimously agreed our application for Planning Permission / Listed Building Consent to refurbish / convert St Mary in the Castle as a youth managed arts and culutral facility.

We are very happy with the news and are now looking forward to receiving a decision from the funders as to whether they are happy to see the project go ahead.

January Update

Despite the article in the Observer today I would like to stress that BIG Lottery have still not made their decision on whether to convert the in-principle grant into a full award - we are in on-going communications with them and have no reason to anticipate that the bid will be rejected.

We are aware of the impact that the delays have on the current tenant, however we are not in a position to be able to speed up the funders' decision making processes.

It is unfortunate that the Observer continues to perpetuate misinformation about the project.

When we get the decision we will announce it, whether it is favourable or not. If you have any questions about progress please direct them to me at Hastings Trust on 01424 446373 or mel@hastingstrust.co.uk