Hastings Borough Council has embarked upon a refurbishment of the derelict White Rock Baths on Hastings seafront. The building, originally constructed in 1879, was extensively altered and remodelled in the 1930′s, to provide a spa facility comprising two swimming pools, seaweed baths, salt water baths, saunas, Turkish Baths, treatment rooms and relaxation areas. The whole complex was constructed beneath the promenade as part of an extensive run of seafront structures and facilities and apart from the entrance building, the facilities are subterranean and are early examples of reinforced concrete structures.

The baths were closed in 1978 and the building was turned into an ice rink and roller skating venue, but the building was eventually closed in 1997. The site is within a Conservation Area. Saville Jones was appointed to restore and refurbish the building to create an exciting world class BMX and skateboarding facility-  creating the world’s largest subterranean skate park.

The construction commenced on site in Spring 2015 and was completed in early 2016.  This was a complex refurbishment project with very difficult access arrangements, as the building is sited under the promenade. The promenade remained open and fully accessible to the public during the construction phase. The poor condition of the building also added complexity to the refurbishment, with major water ingress problems; deteriorating structure and building fabric coupled with a limited budget.

The centre is operated by The Source, a leading BMX retailer, which saw the demand for quality well-run facilities to promote their product. The venue is already earmarked for world class competitions and contains two skate parks, cafe, retail outlet and administrative offices with a floor area of over 4000 square metres.  The centre is also regularly used by the community  and has featured in a number of global publications and media events.

The Source BMX park was awarded

• Winners of Historic England Heritage Angel Award for “Best rescue of an Historic Building”
• Winner of Historic england Followers & Telegraph Readers People’s Choice Award for a Heritage Building
• Finalist in the RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) in Building Conservation & Community Benefits
• Sussex Heritage Trust Commendation in Public & Community Awards 2018
• Finalist in Constructing Excellence Preservation & Rejuvenation Category 2018