With the support of LOAF Project, HSLFL’s first big project was to “put the heart back into Hastings” by building a community resource centre which would combine admin, banking and post-office facilities, an IT training area, and space for groups to meet. Derek Tomblin again drew up plans, and it took several years to raise the moire than £100,00 needed, even with a British Council grant of £30k. The foundations were laid during the twinning ceremony in 2007, and the building was opened in 2010. The post office and banking facilities have not worked out, but the building has a security wall, a public library, admin and meeting rooms, and very useful accommodation for travellers. This accommodation helps the village to raise funds with which to maintain the building.
