Source BMX redevelop store, skate park and add new Courtyard extension

Hastings BMX store and subterranean skate park business Source BMX has put the Covid-led closure of the business to good use, taking the time to redevelop the layout, adding a new Courtyard area thanks to a £485k grant from the Council’s Town Deal.

This Courtyard area will form part of a steady redevelopment of the beachfront and town, a process that the Source has found itself playing a pivotal part in since its occupation and renovation of the former Turkish Baths.

Rich Moore told CI.N how the downtime ha given the business time to reshape the existing business and add new strands that should benefit the local area.

“Whilst closed, we took the opportunity to successfully apply for £485k of Town Deal funding to develop the remainder of the building that is still derelict. Work stated last week and we plan to open ’The Courtyard’ in June this year – complete with an updated skatepark, a new retail store overlooking the sea and 5 new hospitality tenants.”

The secondary redevelopment of the long neglected space under the promenade will present a new opportunity for a workshop-only business to set up shop and feed off the Source’s steady stream of skate park and shop visitors, says Moore.

“As well as the five new hospitality units, and our new store, we also have space in the building for an independent bicycle mechanic business to set up. Like all the tenancies, it will be on a revenue share basis – though with the mechanic, we will give them all of our work at the park, as well as allowing them to generate their own (it’s beneath the seafront cyclepath).”

The Turkish baths have an 140 year history and over the years have transitioned through various states, including an ice rink. Prior to the Source taking on the space, long considered to have limited potential, evidence of the past was on show with rusting old skates and leaky structures letting in sea water.

For the new tenants the opening hours would fit around the existing building’s opening hours and rent is payable on a revenue share basis to be negotiated, with no fixed rent, rent deposit, rates or utility bills. Those interested in the proposition are invite to make contact here.