Despite statements to the contrary, it appears that HBC is not going to honour the commitment to ensuring that St Mary's remains an Arts & Culture Centre.
How can this be so?
“There’s nowhere with better acoustics in the south east of England. I’ve played in the Albert Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and the Purcell Room and they’re not as good.”
Trevor Watts, saxophonist and composer, 2.4.1992
“St Mary-in-the-Castle is a building of national importance, and a unique
historic structure. It is important to the future of Hastings as a visitor focal
point, a resource for the local economy and major tourism project. A range
of uses are possible, but the most appropriate and viable are a combination
of an arena for events and exhibitions to develop ‘cultural tourism’, an
amphitheatre for conferences and meetings, and a memorable visitor
experience… It is rare for major projects of this kind to be viable with just a
single use.”
‘Making St Mary-in-the-Castle Church a Resource for Hastings’ URBED
report, September 1991
“St Mary might be the linchpin’ for raising the profile of Hastings – putting it
on the international map as a centre for cultural, trade and events of all kinds
– enriching the life of the whole town, and (attracting) an increasing number
of visitors and participants from far and near.”
Nicholas Allott, Trustee, Mackintosh Foundation, 18.12.1991
“I have for many years, since I came to Hastings, been concerned about St Mary-in-the Castle, built by Joseph Kaye who lived in my house…It is a fine building – neo, neo classical – and should be used for cultural purposes…For many reasons it should be treasured and not made a mockery of. It could be the focus of Hastings
.John Bratby RA, Chief Editor of Art Quarterly, 13.11.1991
“I am staggered by the beauty of Pelham Crescent…You say you need my signature – if that is all you need you have got it, but I would do anything else I could to save it. Please let me know.”
Sir Roger de Grey, President, Royal Academy of Arts, 28.11.1991
“I support your campaign – it would cater for the cultural needs of the residents and encourage active participation as opposed to passive reception.”
Adrian Heath, Painter, 5.12.1991
“I certainly support the idea of turning the church into an arts centre. If, as I understand, Pelham Crescent is to be restored, such a project would be most timely and would probably be the only rival to the achievements of St George’s in Bristol, an arts centre of enviable qualities in an ideal setting.”
http://www.nickwates.co.uk/reports/r&ppdfs/St%20Mary%20Prospectus.pdf
(For those wondering about the Labels, Keywords, Tags, could them what you will) it is because everyone should be concerned that they may lose the chance to visit this World Treasure.)Peter Katin, pianist, 3.1.1992
“We sincerely hope you manage to persuade Hastings Borough Council to re-think the plans for this splendid church.”
