Demolition of former library in Burgess Hill set to start in October

PR2296/TJ/MF - 15/09/2020

The demolition of a redundant former library building in Burgess Hill is set to start next month after proposals were approved by Mid Sussex District Council.

Burgess Hill library relocated to a new unit within the town centre in December 2019. The former library building is now vacant, and the Council’s Cabinet met on 14 September to approve the demolition and appoint a contractor to carry out the work.

Demolition of the former library building will allow NewRiver REIT to progress its plans for a mix of new leisure attractions, community facilities, retail units and restaurants in the heart of Burgess Hill. A revised planning application for new flats, shops, a gym, bowling alley, 10 screen cinema and Travelodge hotel was approved by Mid Sussex District Council on 3 September.

The former library demolition project includes work to reinstate a hard surface across the entirety of the site, including the area previously covered by Martlets Hall, to ensure the area is safe, clean, and ready to be brought back into public use.

Site preparation work is expected to start in October 2020, with the whole demolition project expected to take around six weeks to complete. Work will be carefully managed to keep any disruption to a minimum and every precaution will be taken to reduce dust and debris.

ENDS