1. Review of information, equality analysis and potential actions

Consider the actual or potential impact of your project (service, or policy) against each of the equality characteristics.

Protected characteristics

groups under the Equality Act 2010

What do you know?

Summary of data about your service-users and/or staff

What do people tell you?

Summary of service-user and/or staff feedback

What does this mean?

Impacts identified from data and feedback (actual and potential)

What can you do?

All potential actions to:

· advance equality of opportunity,

· eliminate discrimination, and

· foster good relations

Age

All figures are based on the 2021 census.

Hastings is ageing with its’ population median age increased from 14 to 43 years between the 2011 and 2021 census. Its median age is higher than the South East (41) and England’s average (40). It saw an increase of 30% on residents aged between 65 and 74 years while the age group between 35 and 49 years decreased 11.3%. (6) (7)

65 and over

Hastings (20.2%) has is the lowest percentage of people 65 and over in East Sussex (26.1%) although higher than the South East (19.4%) and national (18.4%) rates.

15 to 64

Hastings (63%) is the highest percentage of people aged between 15 and 64 in East Sussex (58.5%), although slightly below the South East (63.1%) and national (64.2%) rates.

0 to 14

Hastings (16.8%) is the highest percentage of people aged between 0 and 14 in East Sussex (15.4%), although below the South East (17.4%) and national (17.4%) rates. (5)

Projections across East Sussex estimate an ageing population due to internal migration of adults and older people into the area. (6) (7)

Current uneven ground surfaces can present a trip-hazard.

Private Hire Vehicles (PHVs) provide a vital service for elderly residents and visitors. Further reducing access to the roads in the town centre will make Hastings inaccessible

Potentially all age groups who study, live, work, or visit Hastings town centre will benefit from the scheme given the proposals submitted.

The frameworks key moves provide access for local communities to healthcare, education, retail and leisure uses as well as providing access to the seafront area in Hastings. It is also important for supporting the delivery of potential new housing, growth in the local economy and access to jobs, all of which have benefits for people of different ages.

Older and younger people can be at more risk from accidents.

The scheme’s proposal to close and/or restricting general traffic on roads within the scheme has the potential to reduce the current level of collisions, reduce air pollution and promote active lifestyles with cycle lanes and improved green infrastructure network.

Passengers on the bus services in the proposed scheme locations are likely to be older, particularly during inter-peak times.

Older passengers may find it confusing if bus stops are relocated.

Older people may be more at risk when using shared pedestrian/cycle ways, so the current design proposals include a segregated cycle path.

Older passengers may have safety concerns when traveling late at night or in winter. There may also be concerns about anti-social behaviour. The new designs aim to improve the experience and perception of the safety of local spaces and transport.

Older passengers will benefit from reduced journey times and greater bus reliability due to bus only routes.

Older car drivers may be concerned about the reallocation of road space on some of the schemes and what this might mean for them.

This scheme proposes to remove the closed toilet block at Harold Place, which means older people may continue to feel limited in their use of this public spaces due to lack of access to public toilets.

Young people are more likely to be reliant on public transport, and more likely to have concerns about fares and bus reliability.

Actively target older, younger and population groups during the consultation period. Provide alternative means for older people to engage with the consultation process.

Approach key organisations that work with and/or represent older and young people as well as working age people.

Maintain clear communication throughout consultation and moving into next design stage – not just relying on online platforms.

A full safety assessment will be carried out on all proposed routes that are taken through to the next design stage.

Hastings Borough Council (HBC) do not currently intend to reopen the Harold Place toilet block, so the removal does not restrict access further than existing. Potential to work with HBC on clear wayfinding to nearest available public toilets.

Bus access retained through Havelock Road and Harold Place, with bus stops staying in existing locations

Collect data on usage of PHVs and Hackney Carriages. Better understand impact on potential extended journey times on cost. Locate nearest available locations for pick-up / drop-off.

Disability

All figures are based on the 2021 census.

In East Sussex, the number of residents who identify as disabled is 20.3% - Census 2021.

In Hastings over 20% of residents identify as disabled (whether limited a lot or a little)

The 2021 Census is the latest comprehensive data we have on the number of people with a disability in the county. Our local projections suggest that by 2032 there will be over 130,000 people with a disability in East Sussex of which 22,968 are projected to Hastings. (6) (9)

National data shows that disabled people are more likely to be injured as a pedestrian than no-disabled people (8)

Tactile paving is inconsistent

Current uneven ground surfaces can present a trip-hazard.

Proposals for bus route changes, particularly the one-way route on Queens Road, were

not well received due to concerns about accessibility (31)

Disabled parking bays are currently well used (31)

PHVs provide a vital service for residents and visitors with disabilities. Further reducing access to the roads in the town centre will make Hastings inaccessible

Collectively the proposed schemes are aimed at reducing general traffic on the roads and thus reducing vehicle emissions. This will have great health benefits for all but especially those with long-term respiratory conditions.

Those with disabilities (including physical, learning disability and mental health) may have concerns about safety travelling from, to and at town centre, for example walking or using and accessing public transport.

The scheme proposes improvements including access, signage and street furniture that will work for everyone such as seating with back and armrests, with various heights and positioned at accessible points. Street clutter will be reduced, which improves access for blind and visually impaired people.

Disabled people or with limited mobility will benefit from a town centre with limited general traffic and open wide spaces that prioritises people and nature.

Disabled car drivers may be concerned about the reallocation of road space on some of the schemes and what this might mean for them.

Those with disabilities (especially blind, visually impaired and deaf people) may be more at risk when using shared use pedestrian/cycle ways. The current design proposals include a segregated cycle path, and signage and access will be considered as the designs progress.

Increasing safe junctions and crossings will assist disabled people to keep safe and maintain independence when travelling by foot or in wheelchairs/scooters.

Materials and hard surfacing will be selected to ensure good visual and tactile clues for people with limited vision. Clear colour contrasts will be used to identify different areas and uses.

This scheme proposes to remove the closed toilet block at Harold Place, which means people with some disabilities may continue to feel limited in their use of this public spaces due to lack of access to public toilets.

Ensure that proposed designs are tested for accessibility and safety as we move through to the next design stage.

Accessibility audit undertaken and highlighted areas for improvements, implement findings in the design.

HBC do not currently intend to reopen the Harold Place toilet block, so the removal does not restrict access further than existing. Potential to work with HBC on clear wayfinding to nearest available public toilets.

Bus access retained through Havelock Road and Harold Place, with bus stops staying in existing locations

Provide an at-grade crossing across A259 to avoid the need for pedestrians to use underpass.

Realign disabled parking bays to maximise public realm space, but retain existing number

Collect data on usage of PHVs and Hackney Carriages. Better understand impact on potential extended journey times on cost. Locate nearest available locations for pick-up / drop-off.

Gender reassignment

0.5% of people from Hastings responding in the Census 2021 indicated that their gender identity was different from their sex registered at birth. Nevertheless, a significant percentage of people across the county provided no response, therefore the percentage of people with a different gender identity to their sex registered at birth could be either higher or lower than shown (7).

ONS MSOA’s data shows that in Hastings 383 people stated to have a gender identity different from sex registered at birth (5).

The National LGBT survey (2018) highlighted that Transgender people have the lowest average life satisfaction in UK (5.5 to 5.1) compared to the national average (7.7), it also confirmed that transgender people are a target for abuse, harassment and anti-social behaviour which can raise concerns regarding their safety in public spaces. “59% of trans women and 56% of trans men who responded to the survey said they had avoided expressing their gender identity for fear of a negative reaction from others.” (10)

“Transgender people are more likely to experience threats of physical or sexual harassment or violence compared with the LGBT community as a whole (National LGBT Survey, Government Equalities Office).” (11)

No feedback received

Transgender people may benefit from non-sex-segregated public spaces that are people friendly with wide well-lit open spaces. Improved green infrastructure can improve overall wellbeing and can also reduce general anti-social behaviour. It also has the potential to allow transgender people to navigate the dichotomy of visibility and invisibility as a management technique for potential vulnerability in public spaces. With this approach, the proposed schemes have the potential to improve perceived and actual safety. (12)

Make the safety benefits clear when communicating about the schemes proposals.

Improve lighting, natural surveillance with curved benches, and undertake CCTV mapping

Pregnancy and maternity

According to ONS data, Hastings had 909 live births in 2021 and a rate of 15 births per 1,000 females in 2020 (7).

The trend is a clear decline since the Census in 2011 when there were 1,202 live births in Hastings (5).

Uneven ground surfaces can make using pushchairs difficult

Not enough adequate seating

Pregnant people and those on maternity will greatly benefit from family friendly spaces, reduction of general traffic and green infrastructure.

Improvements junctions and pedestrian crossings will make it safer for those with pushchairs and small children.

Make the social benefits clear when communicating about the schemes’ proposals.

Increase seating in town centre.

Introduce safe incidental play spaces and educational boards.

Race (ethnicity)

Including migrants, refugees and asylum seekers

89.3% in 2011 Censes and 85.1% in 2021 Census identified as “white British and Northern Irish”, which meant an increase of ethnic minority groups in Hastings(5).

The ESCC Schools Census from January 2023 shows that Hastings had 20% of ethnic minority students in primary schools and 16% in secondary schools.

Sussex police recorded 1512 racially or religiously aggravated offences in the 2022 and 2023 year across the South East Region and 467 for the current year (14).

The Home Office and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Immigration System Statistics data published in May 2023 shows that Hastings has 262 refugees from the Homes for Ukraine, Afghan Resettlement Programme and other Supported Asylum programme ,0.29% of Hastings total population (15).

National data analysis by specific ethnic groups has revealed that there is large variation in collision risk between different ethnic minority communities, potentially linked to car ownership (16)

No feedback received currently.

Safety for those who identify as black or ethnic minorities may have perceived and actual risks using public spaces and when travelling on public transport. The scheme looks to improve safety by considering street lighting and other public realm improvements.

Also, possibly some issues for people with English as an additional language, or new arrivals to the UK (although these numbers are relatively small - but growing) when navigating public transport.

Make the safety benefits clear when communicating about the schemes’ proposals.

Improve lighting, natural surveillance with curved benches, and undertake CCTV mapping

Religion or belief

In the 2021 Census 51.4% of Hastings residents stated that they had no religion. Of those with a religion, 37.8% were Christians, 1.9% Muslim, 0.9% Other, 0.6% Buddhist, 0.5% Hindu and 0.2% Jewish (6).

No feedback received currently.

Safety concerns perceived and actual risks of hate crime especially for religious minority groups is a key concern. The scheme looks to improve safety by considering street lighting and other public realm improvements.

Make the safety benefits clear when communicating about the proposals.

Improve lighting, natural surveillance with curved benches, and undertake CCTV mapping

Sex

In 2021 Census 51.5% of Hastings population was female, an increase from 48.8% in 2011 Census (5).

With Hastings Town Hall in an adjacent area to the schemes’ proposals, it’s relevant to include Hastings council workforce gender constitution since 55% are female but only 35% work full time as per data release for 2023 (17).

The percentage of women (51.8% is slightly higher in East Sussex than the national average and consequently the number of men (48.1%) is slightly lower. Data from 2011 Census (5).

No feedback received currently.

Women are more likely to have caring responsibilities which could mean a higher use during the day of the areas within the schemes and bring those in their care to the area such as children and older people.

They are also more likely to make multiple short journeys or ‘chain-journeys’ during a day, (for example to drop children off at school, visit an elderly parent and shop for food). This can bounce them out of ‘usual’ commuting routes.

Women are most likely to be the victims of sexual harassment and sexual abuse on public spaces and transport. Safety when walking or using public transport is a key concern.

Seek opportunities for women to feedback on the proposed schemes consultation. Offer alternative options for providing feedback and be mindful of certain times (e.g. school pick up time) where women are more likely to have caring responsibilities.

Make the safety benefits clear when communicating about the proposals.

Improve lighting, natural surveillance with curved benches, and undertake CCTV mapping

Sexual orientation

The 2021 Census indicates that 3.3% of people 16 years and older from the East Sussex identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Other (LGB+) and in Hastings 4.6% (7).

The National LGBT survey (2018) highlighted both perceived and real risks of hate crime targeting the LGB+ communities (10).

No feedback received currently.

Safety concerns perceived and actual risks of hate crime especially for those identifying as LGBTQ+ is a key concern. The scheme looks to improve safety by considering street lighting and other public realm improvements.

Make the safety benefits clear when communicating about the proposals.

Improve lighting, natural surveillance with curved benches, and undertake CCTV mapping

Marriage and civil partnership

Hastings latest data for marital status is from the 2021 Census. 39.6% of respondents were single, 38.4% were married or in a civil partnership. 12.7% of respondents were divorced, 2.9% separated and 6.3% were widowed (5).

No feedback received currently.

It is not considered that this protected characteristic will experience disproportionate, negative, neutral or positive impact by the report.

Armed Forces

Based on the 2021 Census, 2,914 people in Hastings reported that they served as regular or reserve in UK armed forces which is 3.9% of Hastings usual residents aged 16 years and over, the lowest percentage within East Sussex District Councils (5).

No feedback received currently.

It is not considered that this protected characteristic will experience disproportionate, negative, neutral or positive impact by the report.

Impacts on community cohesion

Hastings Community Cohesion Framework 2011 – 2013 states that “A significant barrier to community cohesion is poor knowledge and understanding of one another and of different ways of life, which can lead to prejudice and discrimination” (18).

Although the document refers to a context from over 10 years ago, parts of it remain relevant such as key factors such as reduced public sector spending, to current inflation and cost of living crisis can “exacerbate already existing problems of high levels of deprivation” (18).

The projects area of direct intervention includes one part of Hastings that is in the 10% most Deprived areas on the Indec of Multiple Deprivation (IMD 2019) and another on the second Decile. 57.9% of households in Hastings is deprived in at least one dimension based on the Households by deprivation dimensions in 2021, a percentage higher than East Sussex as a whole (53.1%) and higher than both South East (48%) and the national (51.6%) levels (19) (5).

No feedback received.

Although it is not considered that there will be any disproportionate, negative impact on community cohesion by the scheme, the project’s objectives and the design aims to put people and nature first may facilitate the building of social capital referred to on Hastings Community Cohesion Framework 2011 – 2013 and aligned with its mission: “To build on the town’s strong community spirit, culture, diverse population and extraordinary natural environment to create a safer, healthier more sustainable and more prosperous place with lasting opportunities for everybody” (18).

The project may also contribute towards the following 2023-24 HBC Corporate Plan update priorities (20):

2 Keeping Hastings clean and safe

3 Minimising our environmental impact

4 Making the best use of our land and buildings

5 Changing how we work to meet the future

6 Delivering responsible regeneration for the town

it is not considered that there will be any disproportionate, negative impact on community cohesion by the scheme.

Additional categories

(identified locally as potentially causing / worsening inequality)

Characteristic	What do you know?	What do people tell you?	What does this mean?	What can you do?
Rurality	The proposed project is located in Hastings; therefore this characteristic is not relevant (21).
Carers	“In all 5 districts of East Sussex, there was a smaller proportion of unpaid carers in 2021 compared with 2011. Hastings registered the largest proportion of people aged 5 and over providing 20 or more hours of unpaid care a week: 5.5% (4,780 residents) in 2021, compared with 4.1% (3,730) in 2011.” (22) “At LSOA-level, Hastings 003C once again ranked top, with 15.4% of residents providing some form of unpaid care” (22). Note: Census 2021 was undertaken during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This may have influenced how people perceived and managed their provision of unpaid care, and therefore may have affected how people chose to respond. Caution should also be taken when making comparisons between 2011 and 2021 because of changes in question’s wording (22).	No feedback received currently.	Carers, as a vulnerable group due to their role which can lead them to become socially isolated, may benefit from the project’s potential contribution to community cohesion by putting people and nature first when designing and developing public spaces as it may enhance the opportunity to develop social capital’s bonding and bridging within existing and new social networks. One in five households with an unpaid carer do not have access to a private vehicle so are more likely to rely on walking and cycling for short journeys. By improving the provision for active travel, all households without a private vehicle will benefit.	Actively engage with carer groups and representatives during the consultation period to ensure their voices are heard. Provide improved infrastructure to support active travel.
Other groups that may be differently affected (including but not only: homeless people, substance users, care leavers)	Homeless people According to Shelter’s estimate based on DLUHC’s official statutory homelessness statistics, Hastings was the 5th local authority with the highest rate of people who are homeless (living in temporary accommodation or sleeping on the streets (excluding London) (23). A situation exacerbated by cost of living crisis, which according to Hastings Council Leader, “It has gone from 170 people needing temporary accommodation two years ago. Now it is over 1,000 people here. We have more than 1,000 homeless people in a town of 90,000. That's a massive percentage.” (25) (26) The situation is putting the Hastings Borough Council at risk bankruptcy by March 2024 due to soaring costs because of its growing homelessness problem. (24) Substance misusers “In East Sussex there is a strong correlation between the home addresses of the in-treatment drug population and the areas of highest deprivation. In 2021/22, most people using drug services were living in the urban areas of Hastings (32%) and Eastbourne (27%).” (27) One of the highest areas (MSOA level) overlaps with the project’s main area of intervention, Central Hastings (27). “Office for National Statistic figures show there were 18 drug poisoning deaths in Hastings in 2022 – up from 17 the year before and the highest on record.” (28) (29)	No feedback received currently.	Homeless people and substance users, as a vulnerable groups, may benefit from the project’s potential contribution to community cohesion by putting people and nature first when designing and developing public spaces as it may enhance the opportunity to develop social capital’s bonding and bridging within existing and new social networks.	Actively engage with representative voluntary groups during the consultation period to ensure their voices are heard.

Assessment of overall impacts and any further recommendations - include assessment of cumulative impacts (where a change in one service/policy/project may have an impact on another)[ST1]

The public consultation period between 22 January 2024 and 1 March 2024 was key in better understanding the needs, concerns and preferences on people living and working in Hastings. There were two in person, public events held on Saturday 27 January 2024 and Tuesday 6 February 2024, and stakeholder workshops on 24 January 2024 and 1 February 2024 specifically for access and voluntary groups, greening and community groups and the business community.

Answers and the responses given on the proposals helped to shape the next stage of design and influence the final works. A report consolidating the outcome can be accessed here: Appendix 4.pdf

An accessibility audit was undertaken to inform the progression of the design for the scheme. The design consultant’s accessibility team have reviewed the design at every stage and provided feedback to improve ease of use for the scheme. This has included removal of superfluous street furniture, ensuring necessary tactile paving between cycle paths, pedestrian areas and shared use spaces, and ensuring sufficient pavement widths. This review has improved the space, particularly for those with mobility restrictions, visual and learning impairments and those navigating the space with children or pushchairs.

Improving safety, and perceived safety, is a big focus for this project. Through CCTV mapping, improved lighting and speciality seating to improve natural surveillance. These improvements should see a positive impact for those with protected characteristics who face increased perceived and actual risks of hate crime.

Ongoing engagement and data collection is required to better understand the impact of proposed vehicle restrictions on those with protected characteristics. From engagements so far it has been shared there may be a negative impact on elderly people and people with disabilities. The project team will continue to engage and collect data to understand this impact in more detail. It is also proposed that the restrictions will be put in place via an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO), allowing the team to test and adjust the timings and restrictions and see if the measures have the desired effect before deciding whether they are the right measures to introduce.

2. List detailed data and/or community feedback that informed your EqIA

Source and type of data (e.g. research, or direct engagement (interviews), responses to questionnaires, etc.)	Date Accessed	Gaps in data	Actions to fill these gaps: who else do you need to engage with? (add these to the Action Plan below, with a timeframe)
(1) 140323 - Hastings Towns Fund Green Connections Phase 2 - Post Gate 1 Assessment	03/01/24
(2) Hastings Public Realm & Green Connections – Appendix II: Design Strategies	03/01/24
(3) Hastings Public Realm & Green Connections – Appendix I: Baseline Analysis	03/01/24
(4) Hastings Public Realm & Green Connections – Summary of RIBA 2 Design Work	03/01/24
(5) ESiF (eastsussexinfigures.org.uk)	03/01/24
(6) How life has changed in Hastings: Census 2021 (ons.gov.uk)	03/01/24
(7) State of the County 2022: Focus on East Sussex	03/01/24
(8) Supplementing official statistics: self-reported road injuries in the National Travel Survey — UK Data Service	03/01/24
(9) State of the County 2021 Focus on East Sussex: Appendix 1 Item 5 - Appendix 1 - Focus on East Sussex.pdf	03/01/24	No data on sexuality	Have sourced data elsewhere
(10) National LGBT Survey: Summary report (publishing.service.gov.uk)	03/01/24
(11) Transgender Hate - Stop Hate UK	03/01/24
(12) Final Full Manuscript Criminology and Criminal Justice PDF.pdf (bcu.ac.uk)	03/01/24
(13) Hastings & Rother Rainbow Alliance Trans (HRRAT) – – Gender Identity Research & Education Society – Tranzwiki directory (gires.org.uk)	03/01/24
(14) Police recorded crime and outcomes open data tables - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)	03/01/24
(15) Regional and Local authority data - Immigration groups	03/01/24
(16) Ethnicity & Road Safety – Agilysis	03/01/24
(17) The Councils Current Employment Profile (hastings.gov.uk)	03/01/24
(18) Hastings Community Cohesion Framework 2011 – 2013 $Community Cohesion Appdx 2 (31 10 11).doc.pdf (moderngov.co.uk)	03/01/24
(19) East Sussex – Indices of Deprivation 2019, 2015 and 2010 (Map & Stats) InstantAtlas™ Report (eastsussexinfigures.org.uk)	03/01/24
(20) Corporate plan 2023-24 \| Hastings Borough Council	03/01/24
(21) Publication title: Rural Urban Classification - Output area	03/01/24
(22) East Sussex 2021 Census Briefing: Health (eastsussexjsna.org.uk)	03/01/24
(23) At least 271,000 people are homeless in England today - Shelter England	03/01/24
(24) Finance Peer Challenge: Hastings Borough Council \| Local Government Association	03/01/24
(25) Hastings: Increase in homeless due to cost of living says council \| The Argus	03/01/24
(26) Homelessness Review 2019 (hastings.gov.uk)	03/01/24
(27) substance-misuse-aon-august-2022.pdf (eastsussexjsna.org.uk)	03/01/24
(28) Record number of drug deaths in Hastings last year (sussexexpress.co.uk)	03/01/24
(29) Deaths related to drug poisoning by local authority, England and Wales - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)	03/01/24
Hastings population change, Census 2021 – ONS	03/01/24
Trans people in the UK (publishing.service.gov.uk)	03/01/24
Transgender Hate - Stop Hate UK	03/01/24
Hastings Strategic Open and Play Space Assessment	03/01/24
Town Centre Public Realm & Green Connections — Hastings Town Deal	03/01/24
Planning Strategy - 2013-2018 - Low Resolution (hastings.gov.uk)	03/01/24
Final Full Manuscript Criminology and Criminal Justice PDF.pdf (bcu.ac.uk)	03/01/24
Hate Crime Statistics CBP-8537.pdf (parliament.uk)	03/01/24
(30) Agenda for Lead Member for Transport and Environment on Monday, 23rd September, 2024, 2.00 pm \| East Sussex County Council	14/10/2025
(31) Access and Inclusion audit Appendix 3.pdf	14/10/2025
(32) Consultation report Appendix 4.pdf	14/10/2025
(33) Consultation response and next steps Appendix 5.pdf	14/10/2025

4. Prioritised Action Plan

Impact identified and group(s) affected	Action planned	Expected outcome	Measure of success	Timeframe
Age, particularly older people and children. Disability, including affecting mobility and sight.	Undertake data collection to better understand impact of proposed vehicle restrictions on identified groups	Clearer understanding of impact	Clear supporting data for TROs/ETROs	2025/26
Age, particularly older people and children. Disability, including affecting mobility and sight. Pregnancy and maternity, with young children.	Provide improved and new crossing facilities	Safer, easier crossing for pedestrians and cyclists	Qualitative feedback from users	2027
Age, particularly older people and children. Disability, including affecting mobility and sight. Pregnancy and maternity, with young children.	Rationalise and remove superfluous street furniture/ signs to maximise footway widths and minimise obstructions. Create dedicated cycling facilities to segregate cyclists and pedestrians.	Easier, safer travel for pedestrians.	Pavements accessible by wheelchair and pushchair.	2027
Sex, Sexual Orientation, Race, Gender Reassignment	Upgrade street lighting and provide new	Reduction in fear of crime/increased confidence in walking and cycling outside of daylight hours for those more likely to be victims of hate crime or subject to harassment	Qualitative feedback from users.	2027

Title of Project/Service/Policy	Hastings Town Centre Public Realm and Green Connections
Team/Department	Major Projects & Growth
Directorate	Communities, Economy and Transport
Provide a comprehensive description of your Project (Service/Policy, etc.) including its Purpose and Scope	As part of the Hastings Town Deal, the Hastings Town Centre Public Realm and Green Connections project looks to improve connectivity within the town centre, prioritise active travel and increase greening and biodiversity. The project was first approved by Government’s Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) in 2022 with a budget of £3m. Following a subsequent business case in 2023 this was increased to £9.7m funded until March 2026, with an additional £400k of South East Local Enterprise Partnership Local Growth Fund grant match funding. (1). In line with the project objectives, the design aims to put people and nature first. A carefully considered movement strategy prioritises pedestrian and cycle movement through the site, considering the arrival sequence of those entering the area from multiple points and using multiple modes of transport. The planting design will be functional, evoking unique landscape characters and providing seasonal interest whilst contributing to storm-water management and the resilience of the town centre (2). The Public Realm and Green Connections project will be a significant step towards Hastings ambition to become the South East’s first green Garden Town (3). The project framework key moves are: 1) Arrival experience: Improvements to the train station forecourt, as a primary gateway, would enhance the experience of those arriving in the town by rail. 2) Station to Sea: Prioritising active travel and connecting the train station to sea would facilitate permeable movement through the heart of the town to the coast. 3) Town to Castle: Improving east-west movement across the town and introducing additional planting would establish a corridor between White Rock, the Castle and the Old Town beyond. 4) Improve Public Spaces for Local People: Hastings has an expansive network of pedestrian areas and public spaces. Improving the multifunctionality of these spaces would support increased animation, vibrancy and the overall quality of the townscape. 5) Bringing Nature into the Town: There is a critical need to bring nature into the town. A coherent green infrastructure network should be established to connect existing sites, improve biodiversity, contribute to the health and wellbeing of people in the town and support improvements to the public realm. 6) Improve Junctions: To tackle issues of severance caused by major vehicular thoroughfares around the town centre, improved pedestrian and cycle crossings should be considered to dovetail proposals in the town centre with spaces beyond. (4) The project’s policy context aimed to embed concepts drawn from relevant strategic and policy documents listed below and which all had their own equality considerations via assessments and stakeholder engagement (3): Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) Hastings Greenway Project Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) (3). Hastings Planning Strategy (2014) Hastings Local Plan Consultation Draft (2021) Hastings Biodiversity Action Plan Hastings Town Centre and Bohemia Area Action Plan (2018) Hastings Town Centre and White Rock Retail and Leisure Assessment and Urban Design Analysis (2016) Hastings Greenway Group Walking and Cycling Strategy (2014) Hastings Strategic Open Space and Play Space Assessment (2020) East Sussex Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (2020) East Sussex Bus Improvement Plan (2021) Trinity Triangle Hastings - Heritage Action Zone (3) Public consultation was held over six weeks between 22 January and 1 March 2024. Since then approval has been granted to proceed with detailed design and construction (30). At this stage the EqIA only covers the design proposals. As the project develops the EqIA will be reviewed and updated to reflect any changes and the implementation phases.