The new Hastings Joint Cadet Centre (JCC) was officially opened by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Andrew Blackman, on Monday 5th October 2026.
The relocation of the JCC from its former site at the Army Reserve Centre in Hastings to a new, purpose-built facility marks a significant investment in the future of local cadet provision. The new centre provides modern facilities including classrooms, welfare and stores to support cadet training and activities, creating an improved environment for cadets and adult volunteers. This investment will help strengthen collaboration between cadet organisations, enhance the cadet experience and provide a sustainable base for developing young people’s skills, confidence and leadership for years to come.
It will be occupied by 3 (Hastings) Detachment Sussex Army Cadet Force and 304 (Hastings) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC).
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Rod Gray MBE, Deputy Chief Executive (East) & Head of Cadets and Youth at South East Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association (SERFCA) comments: “This Joint Cadet Centre will give cadets the opportunity to develop important life skills through Cadet Force training, while building comradeship, teamwork and self-discipline. These experiences help young people develop into confident and valuable members of society, whatever career they choose to follow.
I hope this new Joint Cadet Centre will encourage the youth of Hastings and St Leonards to embrace the opportunity and experience the cadet experience, it can be life changing.
A huge thank you must also go to our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. Without their effective oversight, patience, dedication and leadership, we would not have such outstanding cadet organisations.”
The refurbishment has been funded by the Army HQ Reserve Estate Optimisation (REO) Team, HQ RAF Air Cadets and South East Reserve Force’s and Cadets’ Association who funded this refurbishment at a cost of £1.2m. In addition, a special thank you to the SERFCA obtained developer, Integra, who worked tirelessly to achieve another outstanding refurbishment for the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV) and Cadets.
Colonel (Retd) Patrick Crowley MBE DL, Chief Executive at SERFCA, adds: “The opening of the brand new Joint Cadet Centre in Hastings is outstanding news! It provides an essential youth facility at a time when we are all concerned about young people not developing to their full potential. If you are a local adult considering volunteer work, by joining the cadets you could help support your local community.”
The Connaught Trust has also provided a grant to Sussex Army Cadet Force towards purchasing smartboards, whiteboards and noticeboards for the Joint Cadet Centre, further enhancing the facilities available to those using the centre.
The opening marks an important milestone for the Hastings Joint Cadet Centre and the cadets and volunteers who will benefit from the improved facilities for years to come. Our additional thanks go to Adam Earley (Sussex Army Cadet Force Permanent Support Staff), the SERFCA Estates Team and RAFAC personnel for their outstanding cooperation, coordination and support in preparing the Joint Cadet Centre for its official opening.
For more photos from the evening click here.
South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association
South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (SERFCA) is one of 13 RFCAs UK-wide, SERFCA is a Ministry of Defence (MOD) Arms’ Length Body, responsible to the Defence Council, but separate from military chains-of-command. SERFCA supports the Reserve Forces and Cadets from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force in the Counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and East and West Sussex. SERFCA also helps connect Defence with Society.
The Connaught Trust
The Connaught Trust is a grant-giving charity supporting Reserve and Cadet units across central southern counties of England, providing funding for training, equipment, expeditions and other projects. More information is available here.