We entered an open competition to design a new visitor centre and tourist facilities on the seafront at Hastings. Our proposals were shortlisted making it through to the third and final stage of the competition. The site’s proximity to the working beach presented an opportunity to display an important aspect of the town’s heritage. The building encloses an external multi-purpose space to the sea front and a coach ‘drop-off’ point on Rock-a-Nore Road. Form, scale and materials were informed by the site and its surroundings, reflecting an image of the town back on itself through an abstract representation of the timber net huts. Facing the sea the materials change to portray an image of the concrete sea defences. The sweeping curve creates drama appropriatet o the buildings landmark importance and defines it as a Gateway to the town.