Plans Move Forward To Reopen Part Of Former Debenhams In Hastings

A new sports bar is set to open in part of the former Debenhams building in Hastings after councillors approved a premises licence for the site.

At a meeting on Monday (October 20), Hastings Borough Council’s licensing panel granted permission for Players Sports Bar to operate from the currently vacant space, with access from Robertson Terrace.

The licence allows both on- and off-sales of alcohol, as well as live and recorded sports screenings and a variety of indoor games — including darts, snooker, pool, table tennis, shuffleboard and bowling.

Applicant and Hastings businessman Thomas Cosens said he wanted the venue to be “family-oriented”, focusing on indoor sports rather than alcohol sales.

Mr Cosens, who previously ran the 180 Sports Bar in Albert Road, told councillors:

“We’re trying to encourage more families to come — to be more of a sports outlet as opposed to a pub.”

Some nearby residents had objected to the plans, raising concerns about noise — particularly from bowling. In response, Mr Cosens agreed to a condition preventing the bowling alley from opening until a sound engineer assesses the site and noise controls are put in place.

He also confirmed there would be no live music and that alcohol sales would stop 30 minutes before closing, in line with police recommendations.

The panel approved slightly reduced weekday opening hours, closing at 10.30pm from Tuesday to Thursday, and required planning permission to be updated before trading can begin.

Additional conditions were imposed, including limits on numbers in the smoking area, a ban on indoor vaping, and a rule that anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.