Hastings: West Hill Café and Castle Project takes step forward

The West Hill Café and Castle Project in Hastings will see the creation of a new cafe, restaurant, new interpretation visitor experience to retell the story of Hastings Castle, retail and community space.

A new platform lift will also provide step-free access from the West Hill Lift top station to all spaces.

The ambition is to transform Hastings Castle and West Hill Café site into a “significant cultural destination” with a focus on heritage, sustainability, and community engagement.

In 2021, Hastings was one of 101 UK towns to receive a share of the government’s Towns Fund to kickstart the regeneration of the town with funding of £24.3m.

Read more: Developers wanted to turn derelict café into restaurant and heritage centre

In 2023, the Town Deal Board approved the project’s business case and the council has allocated £3m of Town Deal money to invest in the project to improve the café as an interpretation facility with food and beverage provision and access to Hastings Castle with modest improvements within the castle itself.

Troika's designs for the project (Image: Hastings Borough Council)

Hastings Borough Council has now chosen Troika Projects as its partner to deliver the project.

Troika Projects, which is based in Hastings, working alongside architects, Poroban and Heritage and Planning Consultants, Purcell and contractors Colbran and Wingrove, emerged as the preferred partner following a competitive evaluation process.

Councillor Julia Hilton, leader of Hastings Borough Council, said: “I am delighted the panel has appointed Troika Projects to deliver this transformative project. Their exciting plans and proven expertise in hospitality and visitor experience are set to elevate the café and castle area into a leading destination in our town. I am looking forward to seeing them engaging the wider community in developing their vision into reality, making this site a must-visit for both locals and tourists.”

The redevelopment is poised to be a cornerstone in Hastings’ Town Fund Programme, blending history with modern amenities to create a “vibrant, engaging space” for all with an immersive interpretation centre that celebrates the rich history of Hastings Castle.

Celia Farrar, Troika Projects, said: "Troika Projects are thrilled to have been selected to work with the council to develop the iconic site of the West Hill Café and Hastings Castle, the flagship project of the Town Deal Programme. We understand the historic importance of the site to the town and we can’t wait to get going on developing our carefully thought-out plans into a reality.”