The Bridge Update: 30th June 2026

Joint announcement from Parchment Trust, Magdalen & Lasher and Little Gate:

We are delighted to announce that the sale of The Bridge has been completed!

• Magdalen and Lasher are now the new owners of The Bridge

• Little Gate will occupy the site and deliver services

The deal was first initiated by the Chief Executive of Little Gate who approached Magdalen and Lasher and then together, Parchment Trust. Little Gate and Parchment Trust had worked together before as they had supported many of the same people in Hastings, so it was a great match. The three charities have been in private talks since December 2025 and the offer was formalised earlier this year.

The transfer of ownership of The Bridge has now taken place, including a renewal of the covenant with East Sussex County Council which ensures that the site continues to be secured indefinitely for community use.

This is what the three organisations have to say:

Clive Galbraith, Chair of Trustees, Magdalen and Lasher:

“The Magdalen and Lasher Charity dates back to the 13th century and for the last 700 years we have quietly gone about our aims of helping those in need in and around the borough of Hastings. This includes support for education. So when Little Gate approached us in late 2025 for assistance with their dream of occupying The Bridge we were very pleased to help.

We are not a charity that dwells in the world of social media and we do not seek publicity. However we are delighted to have secured the use of the building for the wonderful people at Little Gate to support the work they do and the wider community. We wish them every success in their endeavours. In addition we pay tribute to the exceptional co-operation we have had from Parchment Trust in bringing the process to a satisfactory conclusion.”

Andrea Randall-Smith, Chief Executive of Little Gate:

“We’re delighted that the transfer of The Bridge is now complete and would like to express our sincere thanks to both Parchment Trust and Magdalen and Lasher for helping make this possible. The shared commitment to securing the building for community benefit has ensured that The Bridge can continue to serve local people, and Little Gate is excited to begin the next chapter.

Our ambition is to open Little Gate College at the site from September, with building works and further community consultation taking place first. A proposed timeline will be shared once the required works have been assessed, with a clear priority to open the space as quickly as possible to support community groups.”

Any enquiries can be made to info@littlegate.org.uk

Sara Whalley, Chief Executive of Parchment Trust:

“We’re extremely pleased and most grateful to have reached this wonderful solution with Magdalen & Lasher and Little Gate Farm. From day one we have been jointly focused on ensuring this transfer completed swiftly so the site can be re-opened for the benefit of disabled people and the broader community. During the process, we shared the wishes of local people with Little Gate and they are integrating these into future plans alongside their core services.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to both organisations and wish them all the very best for a speedy opening with a long and successful future supporting everyone at The Bridge.”