No, this article is not about Rye or indeed anything remotely related to Rye but I felt it worth writing in any event. "But why", I hear you ask? This is RYE News after all, why tell us about something in Hastings?
Firstly, for many of us, losing some of our best loved high street names has changed our high street forever, others will come and go, mobile phone shops were everywhere but now it seems that vaping shops have taken over as well as the old favourites Costa and McDonalds (other high street brands are also available), but we will never see another Woolworths or Debenhams, names we all know, and which some of us grew up with.
The second reason for writing about something ‘out of area’ is that with the dearth of stories coming into Rye News we have little choice if your local paper is to survive. The stark reality is that we cant keep this paper running without stories, the choice is yours, send us something to write about locally or be prepared to see stories about topics in towns and villages other than Rye.
Debenhams in Hastings closed 10 months ago, a huge building over three floors and spanning around 77,000 square feet in all. An iconic building and a department chain many of us visited over the years I'm sure, but now it’s gone.
However, after months of speculation, the rebranded ‘Owens’ will be opening its doors in due course, a fun factory with entertainment for all ages. Attractions will include ten pin bowling, soft play, crazy golf, a themed restaurant and 20 more unique attractions including some never seen in the UK.
The new venture is owned by husband and wife Graham and Debbie Owen, both Hastings locals who are passionate about their community, and creators of Phileas Fogg’s World of Adventures, which was named tourist attraction of the year for Sussex.
Owens will create over 60 full time and part time local jobs, ideal for young people looking for exciting evening and weekend opportunities. The centre will be the first of its kind in the UK, great to see this substantial town centre building coming back to life once more.
Rye News will keep you posted as the project progresses and will be featuring more articles ‘around the county’ in due course.
