White Rock Baths BMX and skate park funding is finalised

Richard Moore, Hastings deputy leader Peter Chowney and Marc Moore, from The Source, at the White Rock Baths

Funding has been finalised for a "world-class" BMX and skateboarding park in near-derelict old baths.

The plans will see White Rock Baths under the promenade in Hastings become a subterranean attraction employing over 30 people.

The £1.17m cost will be funded by the borough and county councils, landowner the Foreshore Trust, and The Source BMX shop, which will fit it out.

The money will come from a mixture of grants and loans.

'Exciting proposal'

Hastings Borough Council has pledged up to £172,000 in a grant to the Foreshore Trust plus a loan of £300,000 to be funded by rental income.

The Foreshore Trust itself will invest £150,000, while East Sussex County Council has agreed a grant of £320,000 and a loan of £28,000 from East Sussex Invest business support scheme.

Councillor Peter Chowney said: "We are very pleased that funding has now been finalised for this very exciting proposal by The Source.

"It has taken considerable time to find a productive and appropriate use for the baths, having the funding in place means that this site can be developed into a world-class facility that will greatly improve this area of our seafront."