Plan for new events space at Hastings art gallery

A 3D model of the planned site

Plans to create an events space to house a mobile arts studio next to an East Sussex art gallery have been lodged with council planners.

Hastings Contemporary is seeking permission from Hastings Borough Council to redevelop a small plot of land in Rock-a-Nore Road.

The gallery said it intended for the site to become home to its mobile arts studio, when it is not being used elsewhere.

A spokesman for the gallery said: "We hope that we have demonstrated that the proposed parking of the mobile studio will be of huge benefit to the local community and part of the artistic offer of the town for tourists."

"It will provide an opportunity for those who may not consider entering the gallery, to engage in art activities both for themselves and their children in a safe and inspiring way," the spokesman added.

As part of its plans, the gallery would replace an area of shingle with a sand-coloured paving, and an area of pavement with a pedestrian crossover, in order to allow vehicular access to the area.

The gallery would also place planters, seating and anti-seagull bunting within the area, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The events space would also be used for creative activities for school groups, bespoke arts workshops, and musical and theatrical performances.

A gallery spokesman said the mobile studio would also act as a "listening post" for the Hastings Fishermen's Protection Society oral histories and be used for cultural heritage workshops.

The gallery said funding had already been secured from Historic England for a series of workshops promoting fishing skills and crafts at risk of being lost to future generations.

"As the Historic Asset is therefore protected, and the proposals are of such benefit to the town, we hope the proposals will receive the support of the planners," the spokesperson added.