Community centre in Newhaven saved In turnaround
A former school in Newhaven that suffered losses of over £200,000 over the last six years has credited a valuable partnership for helping to save the beloved community venue.
Speaking at the recent AGM of the Hillcrest Community Partnership, which manages the Hillcrest Community Centre in Newhaven, East Sussex, Chair Paula Woolven BEM stated: "It has been a productive and positive year for Hillcrest Community Centre, marked by increased community engagement, improved financial oversight, and significant progress in securing future funding.
"Most of the current Trustee Board took up their positions nine months into the financial period 24/25, but we are pleased to have reduced the predicted shortfall from £65,000 to just under £45,000 in the remainder of that period, following a loss of £54,349 in the previous financial year (23/24). Over the past six years, the Centre suffered an undesired financial loss of over £200,000.
"I am delighted to announce that the draft budget and accounts for the current financial year – 25/26 – show a negligible trading loss. Additionally, over £200,000 in grant funding has either been achieved or provisionally awarded for renovations and repairs to the building, including £150,000 from Lewes District Council's CIL funding."
Thanking the staff at the Hillcrest Centre, Paula said: "We want to extend our sincere thanks to Sam and Jodie for their excellent work in the day-to-day running of the centre and for organising several well-attended and successful events throughout the year.
"These events have played a crucial role in uniting the community, enhancing the centre's profile, and generating funds. We also wish to thank our caretaking team, Peter, Jason, and Brian, along with our new Receptionist, Kat, for their hard work and dedication."
She also attributed some of the Centre's revival to the reopening of its heart – the Community Café – which was relaunched by Havens Community Hub in 2024. Under the direction of Julia Dunstan, Café Manager, a variety of events and refreshments have been offered to the public and the Centre’s hirers. There is also a free breakfast warm hub in the Café from Monday to Friday.
She credited the partnership between the Hillcrest Community Partnership and the Havens Community Hub team as an unprecedented success that has saved the Centre from being lost to the community forever.
New groups and activities are being started at the Hillcrest Centre, including: British Sign Language (BSL), puppy training, Scouts and Guides, and a pop-up free pantry in the foyer, which has already distributed over £30,000 worth of surplus edible food that would otherwise have gone to landfill.
Paula outlined the work planned from Spring 2026, including solar panels, room renovations, insulation and heating upgrades, bathroom improvements, new flooring, and enhancements to the outer buildings.
Sustainability plans and the Centre’s development also focus on more children- and family-friendly events, starting with HAF (half-term activities and food) days and increased weekend hire for events.
She concluded by saying: "As a Board, we are committed to continuing the remarkable turnaround of the Centre’s fortunes and ensuring it remains a resource for the community for generations to come."
To learn more about the activities at Hillcrest Centre, visit: https://www.hillcrestcentre.co.uk/