The Death of the Queens Arcade Beckons...

The historic Queens Arcade in the town centre has been slowly dying sadly, indeed, this was the homeplace of the birth of television (Love Hastings), ever since it had to be auctioned off by the charity that used to own it (Hastings Online Times). If you've walked through it over the last couple of years you will have noticed that various businesses are no longer there, now including the butchers, deli, cafe, hairdressers, and many more! And now, sadly, the family fishmongers, that has been trading there for over 80 years is reluctantly joining the exodus, moving to a market stall (Sussex Express).

The rather ghostly scene you now see inside the arcade (above), apparently, because the new owners are increasing the rents so much that businesses cannot afford to continue trading there. The new owners must have a plan for the arcade different to its current purpose, but how long will we need to wait to find out what planning permission gets presented to Hastings Borough Council? Sad times...

Cornwallis Street: Car Park to Premier Inn Hotel?

I'd forgotten all about this plan, at least I'd thought it had disappeared from plans during the COVID-19 Crisis, but no! So much so that local residents are holding a meeting about the plans this Saturday 27th November between 4.00 and 5.00 pm at Pissarro's, 9-10 South Terrace TN34 1SA (website), on the corner with Cornwallis Street and dead opposite the car park. If local residents are interested in attending, St Andrews Residents Association would be grateful if you would RSVP to the following address: starresidents_hastings@hotmail.com please.

What the hotel is planned to look like

The plan is for 84 bedrooms, and further details of the planning application can be found at the Hastings Borough Council website, from where you can also submit your opinions via the comments link. You can also write to the Council quoting Planning Case HS/FA/21/00851 if you wish to share your thoughts with them.

I can imagine many complaints local people may have, losing a car park, obviously, and blocking views, for example, or that it appears to be planning to have a restaurant open to the public too, and I can imagine many positive opinions also, for example, providing more accommodation for the Hastings tourist industry, and a new restaurant. Whatever, I'm sure your thoughts would be appreciated by the Council.