HASTINGS, EAST SUSSEX — Roadways is proud to announce its official appointment by Hastings Borough Council. The company will undertake essential highway restoration and structural waterproofing works at Pelham Crescent, located directly above the historic subterranean arcade and Grade II* listed venue, St Mary in the Castle.
This project represents far more than a standard road surfacing scheme. The carriageway at Pelham Crescent serves as the literal roof for the historic sandstone vaults and local businesses below. These civil engineering works are therefore vital to securing the long-term structural integrity of one of Hastings’ most celebrated heritage landmarks.
Engineering innovation meets heritage preservation
To safeguard the subterranean architecture below, Roadways will deploy specialist, environmentally conscious civil engineering techniques designed to minimise structural load while delivering high-durability surfacing.
Key aspects of the scope of work include:
Advanced vault waterproofing: replacing aging membranes directly above the historic sandstone arches to eliminate water ingress.
Drainage infrastructure upgrades: installing modernised structural drainage systems to protect retail spaces and subterranean chambers beneath the road.
Low-carbon highway reconstruction: rebuilding carriageway and pedestrian footway sections using lightweight aggregates and Roadways’ proprietary cold bitumen emulsion-based asphalt.
By pairing lightweight materials with cold emulsion technology, the project significantly reduces embodied carbon emissions compared to traditional hot-mix asphalt. This demonstrates that essential UK infrastructure projects can achieve high performance while supporting local environmental goals.
A project deeply rooted in the Hastings community
For the Roadways team, securing this landmark contract with Hastings Borough Council carries personal significance. As Roadways celebrates 60 years in business, the contract highlights the company’s deep ties to East Sussex:
Local workforce: over 33% of the Roadways workforce resides directly in Hastings, with the remainder living throughout East Sussex.
Community sponsorship: Roadways has been a long-term sponsor of the famous Hastings Fat Tuesday music festival, regularly hosted within St Mary in the Castle.
Local economic growth: prioritizing local employment and supply chains keeps infrastructure investment directly within the regional economy.
James Bailey, Director at Roadways, commented:
“We’re incredibly proud to be part of the team helping to secure the future of such an iconic Hastings landmark and the retail units below. As a local business, it is a real privilege to be trusted with work that matters so much to our town.
“I was at the last Fat Tuesday Festival Ball held at St Mary in the Castle, and I can’t wait for the next one.”
Delivery schedule and community liaison
Civil engineering works are scheduled to commence in mid-to-late August.
Roadways is working closely with Hastings Borough Council, local residents, and town centre businesses. Together, they will schedule the works efficiently, manage local access, and minimise disruption while delivering these essential highway improvements safely and sustainably.
About Roadways:
For 60 years, Roadways has provided high-quality civil engineering, road surfacing, and sustainable asphalt solutions across East Sussex and the South East. By combining technical expertise with low-carbon asphalt innovation, Roadways delivers infrastructure the right way – protecting local heritage while building for the future.