This project sees new life breathed into the iconic Observer Building in Hastings providing new community uses, workspaces and homes for local residents and businesses.

The building was originally constructed in 1924 as offices and printworks for The Hastings & St. Leonard’s Observer, however had stood vacant for 34 years and was slated for demolition before being purchased by a local community group. The resulting development has emerged from comprehensive engagement with surrounding people in the face of concerns about gentrification.

Following on from earlier phases of work to address defects in the existing building, introduce new ground floor uses and a rooftop extension, Tisserin have been appointed to work with the design team on Phase 3 of the project comprising the refurbishment of the upper floors to provide residential accommodation. This includes supporting the team through the Building Safety Act gateways.

The project demonstrates the benefit of a retrofit approach - with a huge reduction in embodied carbon compared to a demolition and new-build approach - as well as transforming this well-loved historic building into a valuable community asset for Hastings.