The Observer Building

The Observer Building is the flagship building for Hastings Commons and a key project within the Trinity Triangle Heritage Action Zone (2020-24) funded by Historic England. The tour will cover the whole building including those areas already in use - OBX Creative Technology and Youth space, the venue and cafe bar, and co-working office spaces. The tour will then move to spaces in the building which are still under construction, including the flats which will offer 12 rent-capped homes and the planned roof terrace with panoramic views over town, castle and sea.

The rescue, retrofit and reopening of the building demonstrates Hasitngs Commons’ approach to community-led regeneration, including their focus on ‘darning the fabric' of the built environment in contrast to the ’slash and burn’ developer-led regeneration which has proved unsuccessful in the past.
Hastings Commons has a great deal of experience and expertise in this work, specialising in bringing difficult and derelict buildings into productive use. Growing out of the rescue of Hastings Pier, the work began 10 years ago with the purchase of Rock House, next door to the OB. Since then over 8,000 square metres of derelict space has been brought into ‘community custody’. Two further renovation projects are currently underway at Eagle House and 12 Claremont (not included in this year’s tour).

Timings & Tours

Saturday 07 September:

1200, 1500, 1700

Location & directions

The Observer Building, 53 Cambridge Road, Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 1DT

Directions:

If approaching from the town centre and Hastings Station, The Observer Building is very large building on Cambridge Road, opposite the junction with Cornwallis Gardens. Entrance is through the glass doors at the front of the building which can be reached by a ramp or steps.

Contact on day:

Gwen Orr

Telephone number:

+441424230222

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Tours can be booked through Eventbrite. If you do not have access to this site, please contact the Observer Building directly for assistance. If you would like to book for a group of more than five people, please contact the Observer Building so that suitable arrangements can be made. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Unfortunately the tour is not suitable for children aged under 10 years.

Booking contact name:

Gwen Orr

Booking telephone number:

+441424230222

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-observer-building-tour-heritage-open-days-2024-tickets-981856137137?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&_gl=1*1w5xpy*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTQwOTQ5MDUxMS4xNzIzMTI5OTA1*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*MTcyMzEyOTkwNS4xLjAuMTcyMzEyOTkwNS4wLjAuMA..

Alternative booking website:

https://theobserverbuilding.org.uk/

Booking opens:

10 Aug 2024 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

06 Sep 2024 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

Please note - accessibility is restricted in areas of the building which remain 'under construction', as the lifts are not in place at this time. However the lower ground, ground and first floor areas are fully accessible. Please ensure that you wear sensible footwear which is suitable for walking on uneven surfaces. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Unfortunately the tour is not suitable for children under 10 years.

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

15

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s)

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