This month we hosted a visit by Place Collective to Hastings to explore the town’s current programme of distinctive, community-led regeneration.
Building on a rich history of change and renewal, Hastings provides an inspiring example of the way in which coastal towns are evolving, and has proved a great base for our fourth UK studio to consider the challenges and opportunities of coastal regeneration.
shedkm Hastings studio
For years now, many seaside towns have struggled with a combination of seasonal economies, declining or aging populations, and a loss of tourism to overseas destinations, all of which have resulted in long-term decline, lack of opportunity and widespread areas of deprivation along our coastline.
But seaside towns also benefit from rich identities, character, and a determined spirit, with layered histories as ports, harbours and Victorian holiday destinations. Some of the recent decline in coastal towns has been reversed with a post-Covid influx of new generations looking for a better life/work balance enabled by remote working. Climate and fuel prices are also having an impact with more people choosing a staycation over travel abroad.
town-scale retrofit
At shedkm we’ve long worked with buildings that have outlived their original purpose, uncovering the potential of neglected structures as triggers for wider regeneration – often within limited budgets. Our approach helps revitalise places from within, tapping into the distinct character, historic fabric, and existing communities that make a place special.
This socially regenerative approach provides a framework for seaside town renewal that builds on what’s already there, ensuring lasting, meaningful placemaking with benefits for all.
From Scarborough to Rhyl, and Great Yarmouth to Worthing, we’ve developed proposals that celebrate the unique character and natural attributes of historic seaside towns, to redefine coastal living and leisure for the next generation of residents and holiday makers.
A selection of our coastal regeneration proposals across the UK
meanwhile by the sea
Imaginative and inclusive meanwhile uses have an important role to play in renewal, engaging young, diverse communities in places which too often don’t seem to offer anything new.
In Brighton, we used the existing market hall for community engagement events, bringing the community into the heart of the Circus Street development project from the outset. In all our proposals, we include meanwhile uses to support a phased delivery, helping to create a conversation around change and embed the new development into the town.
Meanwhile use in Brighton market hall © Jim Stephenson
our future in hastings
We opened our Hastings studio this year, moving into 12 Claremont, a creative hub run by community land trust (CLT), Hastings Commons. The move represents our belief in coastal towns and signals our support for community-led regeneration.
Left – shedkm Hastings studio at 12 Claremont / Right – Hastings
Our design thinking makes a case for coastal regeneration that reveals rather than imposes. By bringing to light the rich histories and strong communities of coastal towns, we can transform them into places that are attractive for the next generation, from young people looking for a reason to stay, or newcomers in search of a more balanced, healthy lifestyle.