I'm not sure how quickly the rumours got around, but no, it is not April the 1st, but Hastings Borough Council really has confirmed that it is considering the possibility of developing a harbour, housing and transport improvements in the Old Town. Council leader, Peter Chowney, has stated “We have been approached by Hastings Harbour Quarter Ltd., a company specially formed for the purpose... The scheme is at a very early stage, but it has potentially very significant benefits for the town, including a new marina providing moorings, boat storage facilities and support services; around 1000-1300 new homes; a protected launching and landing site for our fishing fleet; and transport improvements to the area..."
Work going on today on the current Harbour Arm
"But these are very early days, and we will debate the principle of the work at our cabinet meeting on 11th September. That meeting will not commit the council to anything, other than to develop a strategic outline case for the development. This will cover many areas, including the initial business case; a marine assessment; transport and access planning; an assessment of the implications on public space; the SSSI and sustainability; initial 3D mapping; legal advice; financial modelling; and, of course, engagement with the local community."
The Plan
Indeed, the local community will need to be engaged properly, and listened to. Already, I have seen online comments about whether this is the best place for a new development, car parking issues, some of which still need to be sorted out concerning the old Ice House/Roebuck Surgery, Rock-a-Nore Road traffic issues, shouldn't any future benefits be shared across Hastings, not just placed on old town business plates?
Anyway, it's interesting, indeed! If you have access to facebook, there is more written on this issue at the HBC page.
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