Following the Club presentation in Parliament in July 2025, the Club Owners and Directors have been in constant contact and discussion with a number of Organisations, Individuals and Regulatory Bodies concerning the delivery of the Pilot Field development to secure the long term future of the Club.
This has also involved consultation with various community interests, professional individuals and further surveys related to various aspects of the proposed development
Following the Club presentation in Parliament in July 2025, the Club Owners and Directors have been in constant contact and discussion with a number of Organisations, Individuals and Regulatory Bodies concerning the delivery of the Pilot Field development to secure the long term future of the Club. This has also involved consultation with various community interests, professional individuals and further surveys related to various aspects of the proposed development
For very many years, while there has been varying levels of investment ‘on the field’ the Club ground and facilities have been starved of any investment resulting in the current state of the Club infrastructure which is increasingly below what is required and would prevent progression of the Club within the Football pyramid. The new Owners and Directors were very aware of the task ahead and record thanks to all those who have to date, been involved in the assessment and evaluation of the future needs for the Club.
In what is the Centenary year of our famous Main Stand the Club is now able to provide the latest update on the plans for the future and further updates will be provided as the Project now moves forward.
- The Main Stand – previous understanding from earlier reports advised that the Stand would no longer be suitable/available for use beyond the current season. The Club has now received the latest report following a new structural survey and further investigations at the end of last year. While it is clear that the Stand continues to deteriorate, it has been agreed that a programme of ‘Managed Decline’ can be introduced as follows –
- ITEMS REQUIRING ATTENTION IN THE SHORT TERM (prior to 2026–2027 season) • Implement permanent cordoning of upper seating rows in accordance with Drawing 24-0032 SK03 to restrict to lower tiers only (maximum 400 spectators for 2026–2027).
- ITEMS REQUIRING ATTENTION IN SUBSEQUENT PHASES • 2027–2028 season: Further cordon upper rows to achieve maximum 250 spectators (update barriers/signage as required). • 2028–2029 season: Further restrict to maximum 150 spectators. • From 2029–2030: Permanently close all seated tiers; restrict use to ground floor facilities only (remove or secure seats as necessary).
- ITEMS REQUIRING ATTENTION IN SUBSEQUENT PHASES • 2027–2028 season: Further cordon upper rows to achieve maximum 250 spectators (update barriers/signage as required). • 2028–2029 season: Further restrict to maximum 150 spectators. • From 2029–2030: Permanently close all seated tiers; restrict use to ground floor facilities only (remove or secure seats as necessary).
*The Club is happy to make the full Report available for inspection, by appointment, on any match day.
The above ‘Managed Decline’ programme has been accepted and approved by East Sussex County Council, the Regulatory Authority, and complies with HSE requirements and the Green Guide for Sports Grounds.
- Planning – The Club had a pre-planning meeting with Hastings Borough Council on 18th December and we have now received the written response which in summary states – ‘In general terms from a planning perspective, policy is supportive of the proposals to upgrade the sports facilities at The Pilot Field for the use of Hastings United Football Club and the wider community, subject to the material planning considerations referred to in this letter and any technical issues that may arise from statutory consultee responses.’
- Landlord – Hastings Borough Council is the freehold owner of the Pilot Field site and as such the Club is required under the terms of our Lease to have formal approval for any developments within the ground. A formal application has now been submitted to HBC and Landlords approval is awaited but also expected to be granted when planning approved.
- Ground Share – The Isthmian League rules require that a Club who are proposing significant ground development/alterations must have in place a Ground Share arrangement. This is to protect the season’s fixture list should there be a delay in any completion of the development for any reason. When a final decision is taken on the development plans a further announcement will be made with details of the Ground Share Agreement.
- EFT/HUFC joint collaboration – the Education Futures Trust is our immediate neighbour occupying the Firs site and they also are about to embark on a development Project. Please see the Club Statement issued on 27th January 2025, and posted on the Club website, for further details of the intention on the collaborative enterprise.
- Funding – In addition to all of the above planning and discussions the Owners and Directors have also been involved in many consultations with various public and charitable funding bodies and private individuals to secure the funds
- needed to convert the development plans into reality and secure the Pilot Field as the permanent home of Hastings United Football Club.
Finally, the Owners and Directors wish to thank our loyal and fantastic Fans for their understanding and patience during the journey towards the future of our great Club – COYU’s
*To arrange an appointment please contact Robert.hodgson@hastingsunited.com
