Hastings on brink of answer to Eastbourne's Towner

A new art gallery for Hastings has come a step closer, with the Jerwood Foundation formally submitting their planning application for a new building on The Stade.

As Eastbourne looks forward to the opening of the new Towner Gallery on April 4 (see below), Hastings' art lovers have a little longer to wait to see if the controversial proposal for the Jerwood Gallery goes ahead.

The planning application for the Jerwood includes 500 square foot of gallery space, a sculpture courtyard, education space, first floor terrace cafe, research and archive facility, and office and support space. The building is intended to become a permanent home for the Jerwood Foundation's collection of 20th and 21st Century British art.

Alan Grieve, Chairman of the Jerwood Foundation, said, 'We believe that the gallery as a building and all that Jerwood plans to bring to it would create huge benefits for Hastings and its communities. We are proud to be able to dedicate human and financial resources to this project at a time of national and international uncertainty and financial crisis. It is a moment of great opportunity for Hastings.'

The Jerwood's plans tie-in with Hastings Borough Council's desire to redevelop the Stade, which primarily involve building over the present coach park. Fears have been raised that the loss of these parking facilities will reduce the amount of visitors to the Old Town, adversely affecting local businesses and the fishing community, as well as permanently altering the open aspect of the present Stade.

However, Council Leader Cllr Peter Pragnell stated that, 'The Stade deserves so much more than a coach and lorry park, and the Jerwood Gallery, and our own plans for the open space, community education facilities, and cafe, will transform this unique part of our town. It will create new jobs and bring additional visitors to the town, benefitting local businesses. The exciting open space we will be creating, and improved facilities, will bring huge benefits to the town, helping both local residents and the town's visitor economy.'

The plans can be viewed on-line here, and at a special exhibition to be held later this week, visiting Hastings Arts Forum on March 5 (11am-7.30pm); Hastings Town Hall on March 6 (11am-7.30pm); and the Fishermen's Museum on March 6 (11am-4pm). Closing date for formal responses to the Jerwood's planning application is March 27.

(Photo: www.jerwoodspace.co.uk)