The Observer Building

The Observer Building Host a meeting, come to an event or choose to work here. Become a part of the Hastings Commons and together we can shape this important, historic neighbourhood.

Our office and coworking space on the 1st floor is now open and available to view. Please contact [email protected] to do so. We also have event space on the ground floor suitable to hire out for a range of different events. Please contact [email protected] to view this space.

WOMEN’S VOICE PRESENTS HEAR ME ROAR 2025A FESTIVAL FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAYSAT 8 MARCH 11AM-5PMOBSERVER BUILDING53 ...
21/02/2025

WOMEN’S VOICE PRESENTS HEAR ME ROAR 2025

A FESTIVAL FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

SAT 8 MARCH 11AM-5PM

OBSERVER BUILDING
53 CAMBRIDGE ROAD
HASTINGS TN34 1DT

FREE ALL WELCOME

Come along to find out more about what’s going on for women locally.

Listen to empowering speakers and performers.

Take part in creative and supportive workshops for all ages.

INCLUDING:
SPEAKERS
Women’s Voice
ELAINE ELLIS, Unison
VICTORIA OLDMAN, co-founder, Trans Pride Hastings
Clir BECCA HORN, Green Councillor
The Refugee Buddy Project
SPECIAL GUEST
TALKS AND PERFORMANCE
SAM BROWN, violinist
KIN Choir
CLAUDINE ECCELSTONE, Director,
Playing the Race Card
MARIE, poet
NAOMI WOOD, spoken word performer
WORKSHOPS
Afri-Co-Lab
Arts on Prescription
Stitch TLC
Yoga by the Sea
Naomi Wood and Marie

ORGANISATIONS

A Touch of Gentleness
Acorn Community Union
Black Butterfly
Change, Grow, Live
Domestic Abuse Service
East Sussex Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence & VAWG Team
Education Futures Trust
Eggtooth
SUPPORTED BY CHALK CLIFF education
TRUST

I’m WOMAN hear me ROAR ILLUSTRATION BY EMILY JOHNS

womensvoice.org.uk

Facebook: Women’s Voice Hastings
Instagram:

Family Hub East Sussex
Hastings Community of Sanctuary
Hastings Rounders

Hastings and Rye PalestinianSolidarity Campaign
iRock
Lotus Families
Oasis Project
The Refugee Buddy Project

Hastings and Rother Rainbow Alliance

Soundcastle

St Michael’s Hospice

Survivors’ Network

Trans Pride Hastings

UNISON


Family Friendly activities

the public service union
Hastings and District Trades Union Council Women’s

14/02/2025

We would like to welcome Carol to her first Danceaway. Here she is chatting with Ritchie Lee our DJ.

We think Carol will be one of our regulars!

🌟 Exciting insights from IF_DO founder Sarah Castle on the power of community engagement! It’s not just about asking peo...
13/02/2025

🌟 Exciting insights from IF_DO founder Sarah Castle on the power of community engagement!

It’s not just about asking people what they want; it’s about empowering them to make a difference in their environments. This philosophy is at the heart of IF_DO’s transformative work in Hastings, East Sussex, where they’ve revitalized derelict buildings into affordable, community-centric spaces for social enterprise, like Hasting Commons.

One standout project is the refurbishment of the historic 1924 Observer Building, which had been neglected for over 30 years. The first phase has created a vibrant cultural venue for exhibitions, theatre, music, and more, proving that community spaces can host everything from raves to weddings! 🎉

Castle emphasises the importance of essential improvements over mere cosmetic fixes, focusing on making spaces robust and easy to maintain. Their careful restoration of the building’s intricate faience façade balances repair and renewal beautifully.

IF_DO’s approach also embraces a unique understanding of procurement, driven by available grant funding, which Castle calls ‘pod’ – phased organic development. Hastings Commons has secured over 100 grants in the past decade, ensuring that the Observer Building remains a community land trust, maintaining affordability and protecting it from gentrification.

As Castle puts it, “It’s about forever.” Together, we can create spaces that thrive for generations to come! 🏡💪



‘It’s about giving people the power to change their environments and making them feel part of it,’ C...

Why not tag the person you would like to dance with on Friday at our Danceaway and don’t forget to join our group Over 6...
10/02/2025

Why not tag the person you would like to dance with on Friday at our Danceaway and don’t forget to join our group Over 60’s Danceaway Community to keep in contact with your friends in between events!

We hope to see you on Friday at The Observer Building for a boogie!

60’s Danceaway

Step back in time and groove to the classics at our Danceaway!

Get ready to dance the day away to the unforgettable vocals of singer Ritchie Lee!

Over 60s only, fully accessible, licenced bar/coffee and food available

£5 entry fee at the door

12PM - 3PM / FEB 14 2925

The Observer Building,
53 Cambridge Road, TN34 1DT

60’s DanceawayStep back in time and groove to the classics at our Danceaway! Get ready to dance the day away to the unfo...
05/02/2025

60’s Danceaway

Step back in time and groove to the classics at our Danceaway!

Get ready to dance the day away to the unforgettable vocals of singer Ritchie Lee!

Over 60s only, fully accessible, licenced bar/coffee and food available

£5 entry fee at the door

12PM - 3PM / FEB 14 2925

The Observer Building,
53 Cambridge Road, TN34 1DT

🌼✨ We are on the lookout for stall holders for our upcoming Spring Market in the Observer Building! 🌸🛍️ We’re seeking ve...
27/01/2025

🌼✨ We are on the lookout for stall holders for our upcoming Spring Market in the Observer Building! 🌸🛍️

We’re seeking vendors who make and sell gorgeous handmade goods, whether it’s knitted objects, pottery, art, soap, or anything else! 🎨🧼

Our markets take place indoors (come rain or shine)! ☔️🌞 We are a fully accessible and dog-friendly venue, with food and drink available all day during market days in our café bar. 🍰☕🐾

To apply for a pitch, please go to: http://bit.ly/4h7yNa3 (http://bit.ly/4h7yNa3) or see the link in bio.

🎨 Calling All Local Hastings Art Lovers! 🎨We need your help! We've recently installed a stunning piece of preserved stre...
16/01/2025

🎨 Calling All Local Hastings Art Lovers! 🎨

We need your help!

We've recently installed a stunning piece of preserved street art in the alley hall entrance of the Observer Building here in Hastings, and we’re on a mission to discover the talented artist behind it! 🕵️‍♀️✨

This vibrant artwork adds character and creativity to our space, and it deserves to be celebrated along with its creator. If you recognize this piece or have any information about the artist, please reach out to us!

Help us connect with the artist to honor their work and share their story! 🖌️❤️

Thank you for your support, Hastings community!

🌟 Exciting Upgrades at the Observer Building! 🌟We’re thrilled to unveil the stunning new windows and doors of the vaults...
14/01/2025

🌟 Exciting Upgrades at the Observer Building! 🌟

We’re thrilled to unveil the stunning new windows and doors of the vaults leading out onto the alley! 🪟🚪 These beautiful additions not only enhance the aesthetics of our beloved building but also bring in more natural light and improve accessibility.

Swipe through to see the transformation! ➡️✨

We can’t wait for you to experience the fresh look and feel of The Alley and The Vaults which are all adjoining the Observer Building. Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming events!

Looking for your next creative space?📍 Join a dynamic community of businesses, freelancers, and creatives in the heart o...
09/01/2025

Looking for your next creative space?

📍 Join a dynamic community of businesses, freelancers, and creatives in the heart of Hastings at the iconic Observer Building!

✨ Why choose us?

Vibrant networking opportunities & social events
Support a community-driven regeneration project
Access to top-notch facilities, including a serviced kitchen, meeting rooms, high-speed internet, and more!
🏢 2 units available now!

✅ Perks:

Flexible access (6am-12am, 7 days a week)
Free tea, coffee, and fruit
Discounted CrossFit gym membership
Wheelchair accessible
📧 Contact Sophie at [email protected] to book a viewing today!

Hurry, these won’t be available for long! 🌟

🎉🕺✨ Calling all Over 60s! It’s nearly Burns Night! ✨💃🎶Join us for a fantastic afternoon at our Danceaway! Step back in t...
08/01/2025

🎉🕺✨ Calling all Over 60s! It’s nearly Burns Night! ✨💃🎶

Join us for a fantastic afternoon at our Danceaway! Step back in time and groove to the classics with the unforgettable vocals of singer Ritchie Lee!

📅 Date: January 17, 2025
🕛 Time: 12 PM - 3 PM
📍 Location: The Observer Building, 53 Cambridge Road, TN34 1DT

This event is exclusively for our Over 60s community and is fully accessible, ensuring everyone can join in on the fun! Enjoy a licensed bar, coffee, and delicious food available for purchase.

💷 Entry Fee: £5 at the door

Don’t miss out on a day filled with laughter, dancing, and nostalgia! Tag your friends and get ready to dance the day away! 🎶❤️

18/12/2024

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Hastings Commons team! We thank you for your support this year and look forward to a productive community-focused 2025!

With thanks to our OBX kickstarter Mickal for his merry Christmas animation 🎄✨

Christmas opening hours!
Just a reminder that the Observer Building will be closed to all for a deep clean from 5pm on Christmas Eve and will reopen at 8am on the January 2nd 2025. The mini Common Room will be closed from this Friday 20th December, reopening on the 6th January 2025.

We love this!
13/12/2024

We love this!

🎉 Introducing Our New Look!

We’re excited to unveil the brand-new logo for CrossFit 1066—a fresh update as we continue to grow and evolve.

What do you think of the new design? 💪

While smaller groups can't solve the current housing crisis entirely, they are  a vital part of the solution, taking sma...
11/12/2024

While smaller groups can't solve the current housing crisis entirely, they are a vital part of the solution, taking small positive steps towards making a real difference. Read more about Dr Jess Steele, the blueprint for further developments - Rock House - (which ten years later is still going strong), and our next steps offering affordable housing within the historic Observer Building here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5ywgd60195o.amp

Dr Jess Steele put her money into a project providing affordable homes to people in her community.

07/12/2024

Address

53 Cambridge Road
Hastings
TN341DT

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After 34 years of dereliction, a hopeful future for a Hastings icon

LOCALLY DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT Sharing opportunities locally and equitably

SECURELY CAPPED RENTS That protect the soul of our neighbourhood

NURTURING LOCAL CREATIVITY AND ENTERPRISE Quality, affordable homes and work spaces