£500,000 makeover for Hastings seafront

HASTINGS seafront is set for a makeover in time for two major upcoming events.

The town’s borough council has successfully bid for £500,000 to spruce up the seafront in time for the reopening of Hastings Pier later this year and the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings in 2016.

The council said the events presented a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to boost the town’s tourist attractions.

With a state-of-the-art indoor BMX/skateboard facility due to take over the redundant White Rock Baths, the money will go towards providing electric bikes and a wheelchair bike for hire to young riders and spectators visiting the new facility.

New signs will flag up attractions to visitors, while a world of information will be available with a smartphone app featuring a 3D walkthrough with ‘augmented reality’ to overlay historical views, heritage information, walks and trails and art and music downloads. The council hopes installing a free public wi-fi infrastructure at visitor hot spots will make the app run smoothly.

Improved lighting, seating and planting is all expected to improve the approach to Hastings Pier