New Cultural Offer for Haywards Heath
- 02/02/2026
Mid Sussex District Council’s Cabinet has today (Monday 2nd February 2026) confirmed the future of Clair Hall in Haywards Heath.
Following a rigorous and externally validated process led by an independent panel of experts, the Cabinet unanimously decided to accept a proposal from a local cultural company which will deliver a thriving and financially sustainable facility for local people.
Cabinet also carefully considered a community bid to reuse the existing buildings. Cabinet, and the Council’s independent expert advisers concluded that their business strategy was not robust relying too heavily on an unverified external funder and grant funding. Cabinet concluded that the bid did not provide the confidence required for it to be accepted.
Following a robust procurement exercise Cabinet reviewed and accepted the proposal provided by the cultural partner to provide a four-screen luxury cinema, alongside a multi-use performance space equipped with professional sound and lighting. The proposal also includes a full-service restaurant/bar, and the opportunity to provide a rich variety of live and community-orientated cultural events, including live-screenings of theatre and other performances.
The development process will provide employment opportunities, prioritising local recruitment and training, as well as hosting local arts festivals, young film programmers, and charity screenings.
Cllr Robert Eggleston, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council said: “I am confident we have made the right decision for the site, residents and the future of Haywards Heath.
“This delivers a sustainable venue and an excellent cultural offer — a place to meet, experience, work, and potentially live, for generations to come.
“The provider brings extensive networks and experience, offering more live performance space than originally specified and committing to over 150 hours of live events from artists that may not traditionally come to our area.
“We understand the disappointment of some community groups, but the ACV proposal was not financially viable. We also acknowledge concerns from the Scouts; the Council has a long history of supporting the scouts and will continue to do so wherever possible.”
ENDS