Hosting the Commons: a gathering for community builders

​“The resistance isn't in fighting the system harder. It's in the quiet refusal to abandon each other, even when - especially when - everything else pulls toward division.” Bec Davison

​Across the UK and the world people are working in place to build more equitable, generative and participatory futures.

​The connections between these locally-rooted projects have been growing in a ‘mycelial’ fashion, with every link making something greater than its parts.

​​Now, Common Treasury CIC is opening a hosting centre in Hastings, Sussex, to celebrate, sustain and grow this world-making work locally, nationally and beyond.  

​​Join us for either or both parts of our opening weekend Hosting the Commons: ‘Open House’ (a workshop-tour of Hastings Commons) and/or ‘Common Practice’ (a 24hr stayover to co-create a hosting experience). Come to learn with and from inspiring peers, build your resources, and uplift your spirits.

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Part 1: Open House - Friday 17th April, 11am-5pm

​​An introduction to Hastings Commons, hosted from within its ecosystem. The day will include a tour, talk and interactive workshop led by Jess Steele, Commoner-at-Large, as well as a shared lunch and refreshments.

​​Part 2: Common Practice - Friday 17th April 6.30pm to Saturday 18th April 4.30pm

​​A 24-hour stayover for people working on community change. Coming together to share inspiration and learnings, support each other and refill our cups. Expect shared meals, seaside activities, peer support and fireside chats. (Let us know if you need any advice booking accommodation).

​​Participants are free to join for one or both parts of this opening event. To support access ticket options are tiered according to budget and broken down into combined or separate offerings. There are a limited number of bursary places available on request.

​​NB We are currently developing our offerings, testing and learning as we go. This is our very first pilot gathering, so expect some rough edges! 

​The Hosts:

​Dr Jess Steele, OBE 

​35 years experience as a community activist and entrepreneur, including developing Hastings Commons since 2014. Founder member of the Mycelial Network. 

​Sian Herschel

​25 years experience as a grant maker, social investor and community activist. Coach and facilitator for members of the Hastings Commons team since 2019.

​David Heinemann
A facilitator, coach and trainee therapist who works at the intersection of inner change and systems change to support dialogue and build cultures that don’t destroy people.

​Elsa Simmons

​Project Coordinator at Hastings Commons, Jericho Road Solutions and now leading See What Grows, a programme introducing young adults to the world of community asset development.

​FAQS:

​What if I can’t make the whole thing?

​We’d love it if you could join us for the whole event, but Hosting the Commons is a two part gathering, designed so that participants are welcome to join for either or both parts.

​What if I can’t make it this time?

​Expect many more events like these! This April edition is only the first of what we hope will become a regular programme of events. Alternatively (or additionally!) if you’d like a bespoke visit co-designed with you and your group, get in touch with elsa@commontreasury.org.uk. 

​What if I can’t afford it?

​We want to ensure that no one misses out because of lack of funds. The flexible ticketing option allows you to pay a minimum ticket price that we hope will be subsidised by those who can afford to ‘pay it forward’. If that’s still out of your budget, get in touch with elsa@commontreasury.org.uk - we have a limited number of bursary places available.

​Where can I stay?

​Ticket prices do not include the cost of overnight accommodation. If you need help arranging accommodation, let us know at elsa@commontreasury.org.uk. We can find you a room, or organise a group booking which might be even cheaper. 

​Will there be food?

​Yes! Meals will be provided over the course of your visit, both catered and cooked-together. We will try our best to accommodate any dietary requirements.

​Is the venue accessible?

​The base for the visit, Rose Cottage, is fully accessible in the main areas though the toilet is unfortunately not. There is however a fully accessible toilet (Changing Place) next door which we are able to use.

​What’s the best way to get there?

​We recommend travelling by train as Hastings Commons is 5 minutes walk from Hastings train station. Alternatively, there is a 24 hour car park at Priory Meadow shopping centre, just round the corner. 

​How can I find out more about Hastings Commons and Common Treasury?

​Hastings Commons is a pioneering example of community-led regeneration in the White Rock area of Hastings. Operating in one of the most deprived neighbourhoods in England (top 1.5%, IMD 2025), Hastings Commons has taken over 9,000+ square metres across 11 derelict buildings and brought them into community stewardship, permanently. It proves that it is possible to regenerate a place by putting land and buildings into community hands, creating spaces that genuinely serve local people.

​Common Treasury is a hosting centre that hopes to build on this legacy of community regeneration, sharing it widely and inviting others to share their own work of community building. It’s based in Hastings, within the Hastings Commons ecosystem, and is in the process of developing a programme of visits and events to grow a network and support system for those building alternative futures. 

​We’re still building our online presence, but if you have more questions, please get in touch with elsa@commontreasury.org.uk.