Study Visit: Hastings Commons
11.30am – 3.30pm
|
26
March
2025
Hastings Commons is a collective of organisations dedicated to revitalising neglected and challenging buildings in the White Rock area of Hastings, East Sussex. Over the last ten years, they’ve transformed a portfolio of difficult and derelict buildings into affordable, inclusive social areas, homes, and workspaces for the local community.
Their Ecosystem Model also presents a groundbreaking, community-driven approach to regeneration, offering a refreshing alternative to conventional models that often marginalise local residents and increase inequalities.
Join this study visit for a guided tour of their buildings, a learning session, and Q&A with the founders. A light lunch is included. Hastings Commons, 49-51 Cambridge Road, Hastings, TN34 1DT
We offer sessions on a sliding scale. Please select the 'organisation' rate if you are funded by an organisation to attend this session.
- A guided tour of various Hastings Commons (HC) sites, including affordable workspaces, artist studios, community hubs, and housing.
- An introduction to HC’s innovative ecosystem approach with structures including a Community Benefit Society, Companies Limited by Shares and a registered Charity.
- Insights into HC's strategy of 'phased organic development' as a practical approach to tackle high renovation costs and achieve community benefit along the way
- Q&A session with Dr Jess Steele OBE, a seasoned expert in community development with over 30 years of experience.
- An overview of HC’s programmes focused on youth, creative technology, heritage, and housing.
- Networking opportunities to connect with fellow community entrepreneurs and practitioners, alongside a communal lunch.
Participants will also get a free copy of the ABCs of the New Economy guide in the post.
- A comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem approach to community regeneration and how to apply this concept to your area.
- Inspiration and strategies to start mapping the potential of a community asset portfolio.
- A clear overview of different legal and governance models for managing community assets.
- A practical checklist of DOs and DON’Ts for acquiring and redeveloping assets, drawn from the experiences of Hastings Commons.
- Local groups interested in taking ownership or management of local assets
- Organisations who already have an asset and want to review their model, structure, or plans
- Local authority staff looking to enhance existing asset transfer policies
- Residents and activists who are passionate about preserving and developing local community spaces
Jess Steele is CEO of Hastings Commons and Commoner-at-Large.
Refunds
Refunds will only be made if a written refund request is received no less than four weeks before the session starts. Send your written request via email to workshops@stirtoaction.com. If you cancel your booking less than four weeks before the session starts, no refund will be made other than in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the organisers. No refund will be made for non-attendance.
Cancellations
In the event we have to cancel the session before it starts, we will endeavour to inform all participants at least two weeks before the it is due to start, although please be aware that this is not always possible. In such an event, all session fees paid to date will be reimbursed in full. We are unable to reimburse any other costs that may be incurred (i.e. travel, accommodation).
In the event that we have to change session dates before the start of the session, participants may request a full refund if the new date is not convenient.
Should you have any questions regarding these terms and conditions, please contact the Stir to Action team via workshops@stirtoaction.com.
