Hastings conference centre wants to add extra cinema screen

In an application to Hastings Borough Council, The Sussex Exchange in Queensway to remove restrictions on how the building can be used and to add an additional cinema screen.

Currently, the building’s lower ground floor can only be used as conferencing and meeting space, with this use protected by planning conditions.

But the Sussex Exchange says there has been little demand for these facilities (even before covid) and that it is putting strain on the rest of the business.

In a planning statement, a spokesman for Sussex Exchange said: “The poor performance of these facilities continues to place a burden on the overall business and if the situation continues there is a risk of permanent damage to the overall business. 

“Therefore, the applicants urgently seek to replace the lower ground conference and meeting facilities with a multi-use space which will have a lounge/bar/restaurant layout [which] can be used for additional restaurant space … and can accommodate events which are linked with the existing food and drinks offering on the upper ground floor. 

“Whilst these are expected to be the principal uses of the lower ground floors, the multi-use nature of the space does not preclude companies booking the space for conferences, training or meeting, as is the case with other destination venues.

“The purpose of the proposals is to allow for flexibility to support the successful business that has been created at the Sussex Exchange and to allow this to adapt, innovate and respond to market forces and which is restricted by the current consent.”

While the application seeks some minor changes to the internal layout of the building, the element likely to come under scrutiny from is the change of use. 

In a previous application in 2016 (which sought permission to open the cinema), planners were firm that the building’s main use should remain as a conference and meeting centre.

By offering up the space as a “multi-use”, it may be that Sussex Exchange is seeking to offset this concern, however.

The Sussex Exchange is also seeking permission to add a new 12-seat cinema screen to the building. This would be in addition to the 40-seat screen already in the building. 

In its application, the Sussex Exchange says the new cinema would be a “luxury” offering, with spacious pod seating.

For further information on the application see planning reference HS/FA/20/00635 on the Hastings Borough Council planning website.