Cabinet to decide on next steps for Clair Hall site, as part of Station Quarter redevelopment

- 02/10/2026

Cabinet to decide on next steps for Clair Hall site, as part of Station Quarter redevelopment

Mid Sussex District Council's Cabinet will consider whether to appoint a preferred developer for the Clair Hall site when it meets on Monday 12 October.

The appointment would allow proposals for the final major development site in the Station Quarter to move to the next stage. The Station Quarter is a key gateway to Haywards Heath, centred around the railway station, Perrymount Road and the surrounding town centre. Development already completed in this area includes Waitrose, new homes, a café, a gym, retail space and a hotel.

Following a competitive procurement process, Cabinet is being asked whether to appoint the preferred developer, authorise Council officers to finalise and enter into the necessary legal agreements, and make provision for a Council contribution of up to £1.5 million towards the proposed cultural facility.

Any Cabinet decision would be separate from the planning process and would not grant planning permission or approve a final design.

The Cabinet report sets out a potential whole-site redevelopment valued at more than £23 million. The preferred bidder’s indicative proposal includes:

  • a cultural facility with a 133-seat main auditorium, including a cinema screen and stage, three smaller auditoriums, community and event space, a green room, and a café and restaurant
  • 39 low-rise homes
  • 45 parking spaces
  • public space and landscaping
  • a green link between Perrymount Road and Clair Park
  • employment, training, environmental and community commitments which the bidder estimates would generate more than £1.1 million in social value, including 19 construction jobs, nine apprenticeships, 20 work placements and the planting of 200 native trees

These details are indicative and may be refined as part of the formal planning process. Local residents and the wider community will have the opportunity to provide feedback during that process, which will be taken into consideration alongside other relevant factors.

Cabinet is being asked to make provision for a Council contribution of up to £1.5 million towards the proposed £4.9 million new cultural facility. This is required as development costs have risen, in line with trends seen nationally. If approved, this would unlock the £23 million proposal and allow the final major development site in the Station Quarter to move forward. Any Council funding would be released only when key conditions in the proposed Development Agreement were met, including satisfactory planning permission being granted and the cultural facility being built by a target date. The Council will, however, continue to work with the developer to reduce the contribution where possible.

Under the proposal, the Council would retain ownership of the completed cultural facility, which would remain a public asset. It would be leased to the approved operator, Digital Picture House (appointed Cultural Provider), providing rental income to the Council.

The full Cabinet papers are available via the Council website here: Agenda for Cabinet on Monday, 12th October, 2026, 1.00 pm - Mid Sussex District Council