Historical Archive

Horntye Park Sports Complex trading under the charity name Horntye Park Management Company was born out of the original charity Hastings & St.Leonards Central Cricket and Recreation Ground.

The original Charity dates back to the development in 1864 when the ground was built and developed in what is now known as Priory Meadow in the centre of Hastings.

On the 7th August 1872 the ground was placed under a Trust Deed, of which the first Annual General Meeting of the Charity took place on the 30th August 1872.

Cricket of all standards took place from that date until 1993, the first County game being between Sussex and Kent in September 1865, the last County game being in 1993 against Sussex v Kent and again ending in a draw.

Cricket continued, interspersed with other sports until 1993, 10 years after the original proposals of development of the ground took place.

The Town Centre Development

Proposals to develop the Central Cricket Ground were first put forward in 1983 by five different developers. Following a public inquiry by the Secretary of State for the Environment all the applications were refused on the grounds that it would create problems in relation to the roads, parking and also the drainage issues.

However in 1985 a planning brief, which addressed the issues raised by the 1983 inquiry was approved by Hastings Borough Council. The brief was established by including it in the Borough Plan, which set out details for the upgrading and renovation of Hastings town center by the construction and development of shopping facilities, improvements to existing roadways and pedestrianisation.

In 1987, planning permission, for 420,000 sq.ft. of space for shops, was granted and in 1988 a developer, Speyhawk, was upheld and Compulsory Purchase Orders were confirmed. However the onset of the recession brought the proposed development to a standstill and eventually Speyhawk pulled out of the proposal due to lack of sufficient funds.

Nevertheless the proposal still stood, work began on the replacement cricket ground at Summerfields, now known as Horntye Park and pedestrianisation of Castle Street and Wellington Place was completed by end of 1991.

By May 1993, a new developer, Boots, had been found. A £50 million scheme and full planning application was submitted and was approved by Hastings Borough Council.

The scheme has caused a running battle in the town between those who approve, and those who oppose. Local newspapers, such as the Hastings and St. Leonards Observer, have reported just about every step of the development and every arguement in the debate.

Those who are opposed to the scheme believe that to develop on the ground would result in great historical and environmental loss for the town. It is their view that all the arguments about the new shopping centre bringing financial assistance to the flagging local economy are unfounded and they believe that an old fashioned 80.s style shopping centre is not the way to revive tourism.

However, others believe that the development is something that will re-establish the declining tourism and boost local economy. They agree that the loss of the Central Cricket and Recreation Ground is a great shame, but believe that, due to the grounds financial situation, its closure is inevitable.

We are fortunate to have been able to retain a huge amount of past records, scorebooks and other memorabilia, plus hold an extensive library which many people use for referencing and purely for interest purposes. These are also many historical photographs of both memorable occasions and of some of the famous sportsman to have played in Hastings.

Having moved from Priory Meadow to Horntye Park, the Charity is now charged with bringing together many more sporting outlets and opportunities for the public of Hastings and district.

The information that is archived is available to be viewed by telephoning 01424 716666 to make prior arrangements.

The Ice House

This Ice House was constructed originally in the early 19th century in the grounds of Bohemia House, later to become Summerfield School.

The school was demolished in 1972, but thanks to the interest and support of the Directors of Horntye Park Management Company Charity, Hastings Area Archaeological Research Group, Hastings Borough Council and Old Hastings Preservation Society.

The Ice House has been restored to its original state. The practice of storing ice in specially constructed chambers dates back to the 17th century, when ice was used for cooling drinks and the preservation of meat and fish in the summer months. Modern methods of refrigeration eventually made them obsolete but this particular icehouse is the only one to survive, in this format, in Hastings, and is a particularly good example.

Viewing is by appointment only, and can be arranged by telephoning the General Manager on 01424 716666.

Further information can be obtained from the reception office.

Further information is available at http://www.1066.net/summerfields/ice-house.htm.