Hastings Borough Council has been working with the Jerwood Foundation over the controversial plans for more than two years.

And central to the development is the planned refurb of the seafront area - with the existing coach park being transformed into a new community space.

A wave of opposition flooded the Old Town with many traders concerned the removal of the coach parking facilities would result in a hefty loss of trade.

However, the council's planning committee approved the ambitious scheme and the first concrete steps toward its completion will begin this week.

Work to improve the junction between the A259 and Rock-a-Nore Road starts on Monday with the aim of making the road easier and safer to cross, and providing additional traffic calming along a stretch of road often used as a rat run by boy racers.

Work has already started on preparing the site, with new temporary public toilets and other equipment due to be delivered in the next few days.

The highways work will last until early summer, and demolition of the existing toilet block is due to start at the end of March.

Work on the new community facilities, which include a cafe and open space, will start immediately after Easter, when the coach park closes.

The Jerwood Foundation hopes to start work on the new gallery in early May.

A public meeting to introduce the highways contractor to local residents and businesses is taking place at 6pm tonight (Friday) in All Saints Church, All Saints Street. This will be an opportunity for local residents and businesses to ask questions about the highways work and its likely disruption.

Kevin Boorman, from Hastings Borough Council, said: "This is a very important scheme for Hastings and the whole of 1066 Country.

"We believe that the development will attract over 100,000 new visitors a year, creating 100 new jobs - vitally important in the most deprived town in south east England.

"Inevitably there will be some disruption when building work gets underway, although we will of course try and keep this to a minimum.

"We have given an assurance that we would consult with the local community at every stage, so I would urge anyone who lives or works in the area to come to All Saints Church tonight."

Are you looking forward to the gallery opening? Were you against the plans? Leave your comments below.