A New Chapter for the Broomgrove Power Station Site
A significant development plan has been proposed for a site that has remained unused since a devastating fire in 2000 destroyed the former Broomgrove Power Station. Located in the Ore Valley, Hastings, the site has been left abandoned for over two decades, with its history marked by both industrial use and environmental challenges.
Originally constructed in 1926, the power station was a vital part of the local infrastructure but fell into disrepair by the 1990s. The facility’s decline culminated in a tragic incident when a large number of illegally stored tyres caught fire, leading to an inferno that spread asbestos across a wide area of the valley. This event not only caused extensive damage but also posed serious health risks to the surrounding community.
Following the fire, Hastings Borough Council acquired the site and initiated a lengthy clearance process that concluded in 2003. Despite these efforts, the land remained largely unused for years, prompting renewed interest in its potential for redevelopment.
Proposed Development Plans
The latest proposal aims to transform the derelict site, which is close to Ore railway station, into a mixed-use housing development. The plans include a total of 78 dwellings, comprising a variety of house and flat types, along with a dedicated play area for the community. This project is part of the broader Ore Valley regeneration initiative and aligns with the Hastings Development Management Plan 2015, which has designated the site for housing purposes.
The proposed layout includes 37 two-bedroom houses, ten two-bedroom flats, six three-bedroom flats, eight three-bedroom houses, and 17 four-bedroom houses. This mix is designed to cater to a range of household sizes and needs, ensuring a diverse and inclusive community.
Key Features of the Development
The developers, Hazle McCormack Young LLP on behalf of Battle-based Gemselect Ltd., have outlined several key features of the proposed development. Notably, 25% of the new homes will be affordable, including two accessible units for wheelchair users. Each house will come with a rear garden, while apartment residents will have access to communal areas around a pond and a play area.
The buildings are predominantly planned to be two-storey structures, with larger three and four-storey properties situated on the north and north-eastern parts of the site. This design aims to blend modern residential living with the existing landscape, creating a harmonious environment for future residents.
Positive Impact on the Local Area
The planning application highlights the potential positive impact of the development on the local area. It states that the project will provide a broad mix of dwellings to meet the needs of the borough. While the changes will undoubtedly affect the local environment, the council anticipates that these changes will be overwhelmingly positive through the regeneration of a long-vacant site.
The development is expected to bring significant benefits in the form of modern, high-quality residential units, contributing to the overall improvement of the area. Additionally, the careful removal of 6,000 asbestos tiles following the fire demonstrates the commitment to safety and environmental responsibility.
Historical Context of Redevelopment Efforts
This is not the first time that redevelopment plans for the disused former power station site have emerged. Hastings Borough Council has proposed various concepts for the site as far back as 2001, including plans for homes, businesses, community buildings, shops, and open spaces. However, no development has yet materialised.
The latest plans are currently under consideration by Hastings Borough Council and can be viewed using the reference HS/OA/25/00295. As the council reviews the proposals, the community remains hopeful that this opportunity will finally lead to meaningful change and revitalisation of the site.
