Hosting the Commons
“Communities are not built of friends... They are built of people who feel they are part of something that is bigger than themselves...” Suzanne Goldsmith
All around Britain people are working on building more equitable, sustainable and participatory communities. Community asset developers and anti-racism advocates. Mutual aid coordinators and Park Run leaders. Local councillors and national funders. Millions of us working and volunteering to bring different possible futures into being.
Common Treasury is a new hosting centre in Hastings, East Sussex, that exists to celebrate, sustain and grow this world-making work locally, nationally and beyond.
Join us for Hosting the Commons: a two-day gathering based in and around Hastings Commons. Come to learn with and from inspiring peers, grow your resources, and uplift your spirit.
Timings
Self Regeneration: Refill your Cup - Thursday 24th September, 3pm-8.30pm
Meet, learn about and celebrate the stories of engaged community builders from across Hastings, the UK and beyond. We’ll gather, reconnect with ourselves and nature, share our stories, and enjoy a communal dinner cooked and shared together.
Neighbourhood Regeneration: Explore the Commons - Friday 25th September, 10am-3pm
A workshop-tour of Hastings Commons led by Jess Steele, Commoner-at-Large. Learn more about this pioneering model of community regeneration from within its ecosystem.
National Regeneration: Next Steps - Friday 25th September, 3pm-5pm
Reflections and takeaways with a future-focused lens, we’ll share inspiration and learnings, and workshop your practical next steps for individual and collective action.
Your 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.
Siân 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 systemic facilitator, mediator and psychotherapist with 20 years of experience supporting dialogue and building 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?
Please do try to join us for the whole event as we’ve designed it carefully to offer a balance of insight, knowledge, connection and rejuvenation. However if you can only make the Friday, please get in touch.
What if I can’t make it this time?
This September edition is part of a new programme of Open House events. Alternatively, if you'd like a bespoke visit co-designed with you and your group, please get in touch via 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. Our flexible ticketing option allows you to pay according to means, and subside tickets for those with lower financial resources. If we’re still out of your budget, get in touch via elsa@commontreasury.org.uk.
Where can I stay?
Ticket prices do not include the cost of overnight accommodation. If you need help arranging low-cost accommodation, just let us know via elsa@commontreasury.org.uk.
Will there be food?
Tickets include the cost of meals on Thursday night (cooked together) and Friday lunchtime (catered). We will try our best to accommodate any dietary requirements.
Why come on the Thursday?
Strengthening relationships and addressing burnout is a core part of the work of regeneration, not an afterthought. We know we’re all stretched. That’s exactly why resourcing ourselves (and each other) matters. As feminist Emma Goldman said: “if I can’t dance it's not my revolution”.
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. The full tour can be made accessible with step-free access around Hastings Commons.
What’s the best way to get to Hastings?
We recommend travelling by train and Hastings Commons is 5 minutes walk from Hastings train station. Alternatively, there is a 24 hour car park at Priory Meadow shopping centre next door.
How can I find out more about Hastings Commons and A 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.
What happens afterwards?
We offer follow up coaching and mentoring sessions at a discounted rate for all community builders who attend one of our Open Houses.
Location
Rose Cottage
Gotham Alley, Claremont, Hastings TN34 1HB, UK