A 1920s former printworks, which had sat derelict for over 30 years, is planned to be brought back to life with a mix of stylish loft apartments, restaurants and artists’ studios.

The former home of the Hastings Observer newspaper will become a beacon to attract talent, ambition and investment back to Hastings. Once a bustling hub of breaking news, the dilapidated building has been home only to pigeons and rogue – but talented – graffiti artists in recent years.

The design ensures the legacy of the old Observer Building lives on but with a contemporary twist. Three additional storeys unfold from the top of the historic building, creating a bold new statement for Hastings. The new sculptural form creates a dynamic dialogue and respectful relationship between new and old.
Hastings is rapidly establishing itself as one of the UK’s most exciting hubs of creative talent and the revitalised Observer Building physically embodies this transformation. Its mix of cool loft style apartments, restaurant and creative/ artists spaces, will appeal to the growing population of entrepreneurs and artists that are migrating to the area and will hopefully become the centre-point of community pride.

Images HASSELL Architects