A local pub has been transformed into a vibrant community hub, attracting an estimated 70-80,000 visitors annually, with over 750,000 since its rescue. Central to its success is the Local and Loyal scheme, offering residents discounts to keep it accessible. The pub supports culture, art and grassroots initiatives, hosting discussions on the neighbourhood plan and infrastructure, empowering residents to shape the village’s future while showcasing art and sculpture.

 

Who is on the project? 

 

Richard Brett

Chris Baxter

Ben Stagg Architects 

Gleeds 

…and a band of artisan sisters and brothers

 

 What is the programme and use of the space? How does the project foster community, connect people and contribute to urban life?

 

The Bell is a lifeline for Ticehurst. Its reopening transformed it into a multi-functional space that brings people together. The pub serves as a venue for live music, seasonal festivals, charity fundraisers, and community conversations, offering something for every age group and interest. Events such as the Cuckoo Fair and Ticehurst Literature Festival attract hundreds of visitors, boosting local businesses and fostering a sense of pride. The pub itself attracts, at an estimate, 70-80,000 visitors a year, over 750,000 since it was rescued. Key to its success is the "Local and Loyal" scheme, which offers residents discounts, ensuring The Bell remains accessible to all. This is part of Upton’s ‘Robin Hood’ business model, that sees wealthier patrons of the functions and bedrooms effectively subsidise a cheaper pie and pint for village locals. Whether it’s Ken, a 90-year-old local enjoying his discounted pint in a bespoke wooden chair made in his honour, or young families gathering for pub quizzes, The Bell weaves the social fabric of Ticehurst tighter with every interaction. Crucially, The Bell also serves as a platform for culture, art and grassroots community initiatives. By hosting informal discussions on the Neighbourhood Plan and infrastructure challenges, it enables residents to shape the village’s future. World class art and sculpture – from Bacon to Banksy – is placed in and around the Bell. Its role as a community hub has helped breathe life back into the high street, by bringing something extraordinary to Ticehurst and making the village a destination.

 

 How does the community space make a positive social and environmental contribution? 

 

Since reopening, The Bell has pioneered sustainability in Ticehurst. By open-sourcing its methods and data, The Bell offers a replicable model for other communities. Through continuous training and recruitment, it fosters a "staircase of hope," empowering future generations and securing Ticehurst’s vibrant local economy for decades to come. This is no temporary intervention. Framed as a 30-year project, The Bell continuously measures its social and financial impact. Social dividends include local job creation, mentorship programmes for disadvantaged residents, and affordable housing for staff, ensuring the initiative’s long-term viability. The Bell’s initiatives, including The Stand — an independent shopfront launched in 2022 — support local ethical retailers by offering free or low-rent spaces. This has encouraged sustainable consumer habits and allowed local entrepreneurs to thrive without financial barriers.  A zero-waste bakery, providing goods to the community rent-free for five years, and initiatives like the Old Haberdashery, which promotes repair and recycling, further embed a circular economy that reduces waste and champions sustainable practices. Guided by a philosophy of retaining, recycling, and reusing, local materials such as reclaimed timber and stone were repurposed for its refurbishment, while recycled materials shaped the community-focused landscaping by acclaimed architect Jo Thompson.

 

Please explain the governance of the project, such as its viability, purpose, motivation and any consultation, co-creation or community engagement undertaken in the development of the community space. 

 

The governance of The Bell project emphasises long-term sustainability, social equity, and active community involvement. Motivated by a desire to preserve Ticehurst’s heritage and reverse its economic decline, the project was driven by a vision to transform the historic coaching inn into a thriving community hub. The business model ensures financial viability through a “Robin Hood” approach: wealthier patrons and events subsidise affordable services and activities for locals, supported by diversified revenue streams like accommodation, dining, and cultural programming. To align the project with community needs, extensive consultation and co-creation were undertaken from the outset. Local stakeholders provided input on how The Bell could best serve Ticehurst, shaping its use as a multifunctional space for cultural events, social gatherings, and grassroots initiatives. Residents actively participate in shaping village development through forums hosted at the inn, such as discussions on the Neighbourhood Plan. This engagement fosters a shared sense of ownership and pride. Additionally, The Bell prioritises sustainability, repurposing local materials during refurbishment, implementing zero-waste initiatives, and supporting circular economy practices. Long-term viability is reinforced by continuous monitoring of its social and economic impact, such as generating £1 million in social value in 2023, with projections to reach £8.5 million by 2029. By combining heritage preservation, economic innovation, and community-driven programming, The Bell exemplifies governance that balances commercial success with social purpose, securing its role as a cornerstone of Ticehurst’s revitalisation.