HASTINGS - THE BRITISH BARCELONA?

Think of Hastings and you think of a quiet seaside town on England's south coast.
But could Hastings and neighbouring
St Leonards become the new Barcelona?

It sounds amazing but Hastings could soon be the next trendy seaside pleasure ground.

After years of decline, there's a renewed optimism with property prices on the up whilst £400 million of regeneration cash has been earmarked over the next decade.

Hastings could be on the verge of a massive revival as big as Brighton's just down the coast.

Hastings on the brink

Once upon a time Hastings was a thriving seaside town with busy seafront attractions.

Brighton's stylish Pavilion

Its famous pier was modelled on Brighton's, and once boasted a fashionable Pavilion.

But the boom in foreign holidays meant that Hastings found itself in the doldrums. By 1999 the Pier was a wreck and virtually derelict.

Hastings is now the most deprived local area in the South East. It's also on England's top 30 'most deprived' list.

Unemployment, car crime, burglary and street violence are double the national average.

From boom to gloom

Hastings is finally making a comeback with plans to boost its image, and attract new residents and tourists.

It'll be a long haul but Hastings has a ten year plan to put itself back on the map.

Hastings Norman Castle - one int he eye for competitors Brighton

Like Margate down the road, with its proposed Turner Museum, its image of B'n'Bs and faded glories is about to change.

Hastings is being pushed into the new Millennium with ambitious plans to brighten up its image and its seafront.

Its historic Pier has already been saved from demolition and there's plans for a stunning new visitor centre designed by the cool architects who did it for Barcelona.

Hastings is also soon to become the country's first E-community and will boast a growing student population.

Property bargains

Hastings' house prices have risen by 40% in the last two years, and the boom is set to continue. Local estate agent John Brays says;

"I wouldn't be surprised before too long if Hastings prices come up to Brighton prices"

"Hastings has always been attractive to first time buyers because of its low prices but now most are buying flats rather than houses."

The message is to buy property now and bag yourself a bargain! Who knows, perhaps tourists will also flood in to buy second homes!