Victorian seaside town ranked ‘best for short break’ gets green light for £20m revamp in 10-year upgrade
A POPULAR seaside resort has secured a massive £20million in funding ahead of a decade-long transformation.
The coastal resort, which has been ranked the “best for a short break” in the UK, will undergo a series of upgrades, including the revamping of community spaces.
The Victorian town of Hastings, which was previously praised as an overlooked holiday hotspot, confirmed the ambitious plans this week.
As part of the government’s Pride in Place programme, the project will “spark civic pride and breathe new life into the town”.
Planned works
Safer streets and revamped public areas are prioritised in the new works, as well as improvements to sports, leisure, and play facilities.
And heritage sites across the town will also be set for restoration as part of the plan to create “a Hastings for everyone”.
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Deputy leader of Hastings Borough Council Julia Hilton said the upgrades will be shaped “in collaboration with local people”, while Local MP Helena Dollimore praised the project for making Hastings “an even better place to live”.
Toursim
Hastings has received mixed reviews over the years, once vote the worst seaside town for a weekend to stay by Which?, it is now widely regarded as an underrated treasure.
While visitors have marked it down on value for money, and ease of getting around, artists and writers continue to flock to the town, turning it into one of the UK’s most exciting up-and-coming holiday destinations.
And from the old town to the stunning scenery, there’s something for everyone in this historic area.
The old town itself is rated number one on TripAdvisor, scoring 4/5 from more than 2,700 reviews, with visitors praising its independent shops, cafés, and buzzing character.
Tourists can walk the cobbled streets, enjoying vintage shops, a Tudor-looking pub, and five-star chippies and restaurants.
Hastings also boasts a number of music events, including the annual Hastings Beer and Music Festival, as well as playing host to well-known restaurants such as Yaaze Cafe Bistro & Meze Bar.
Music fans will also want to visit the Jenny Lind, which offers live performances and flamboyant local characters.
And Hastings Contemporary gallery is just around the corner – a nod to the town’s burgeoning art scene, with many tipping it to be the next Margate.
There are also pagan vibes in the area, with Jack on the Green festival ushering in the summer with incredible costumes, dancing, and music paraded through the streets.
To top off the unique experience, a huge puppet is then set alight on the West Hill.
Visitors can also escape the crowds by climbing up the East Hill and taking in the spectacular, peaceful views.
And over in the new town, you can visit all your usual high street shops as well as the popular The Hastings Bookshop.
Hastings Pier sits nicely between the new town and the nearby St Leonard’s On Sea, which is home to some incredible and unique restaurants, The Royal, Farmyard, Bayte, and Heist.
You can visit a year-round light installation at Bottle Alley or head to Norman Road, a stretch of street lined with art galleries including the Lucy Bell.
Or you may want to pop by the Stella Dore, whose owner Steph Warren used to work with Banksy, which has all manner of neon, psychedelic art on display.
And of course, the star attraction is obviously the sea, where locals swim throughout the year and mackerel make patterns in the water bi-annually, making for the perfect home made dinner.
Hastings is also home to top attractions including the Fishermen’s Museum, the Shipwreck Museum, Alexandra Park, and Hastings Country Park.
The seaside destination sits less than 90 minutes from London by train, making it a popular escape for city dwellers.
Budget stays start from around £25 per person per night, while nearby campsites offer pitches from £20.
And with the £20 million now secured and a decade of upgrades ahead, Hastings looks set to confirm its place as one of Britain’s most charming coastal towns.
Meanwhile, this seaside town in the UK is also home to dolphins, whales and puffins, as well as amazing castles.
And these are some of the most tranquil staycation spots in the country.