Mid Sussex District Council takes next steps for Clair Hall
- 12/06/2025
Mid Sussex District Council has gone out to the market to take plans for a new cultural offer at Clair Hall to the next stage.
Earlier this year, the Council gave the go-ahead for the preparation of procurement documents to find a cultural partner to progress plans for a three-screen cinema with a food and drink offer at Clair Hall. The aim is that the largest cinema screen would also be able to host live performances.
Today (12th June), the plans have gone out to formal procurement and the Council hopes to secure an operator later this year, so that the next step to find a developer for the scheme can begin.
Alongside this the Council has triggered the Asset of Community Value process, which gives communities the opportunity to express an interest in the site, which the council will carefully consider before seeking a development partner. The first stage in the process is for an expression of interest to be submitted within the next six weeks. The closing date for community bidders to do this is 25th July 2025.
Investigations by cultural and development experts have been carried out to gauge interest in the site and establish what would be needed to make a facility successful.
Council Leader Robert Eggleston said: “This is the next step in our journey to provide a new cultural offer at Clair Hall, and we will remain open and transparent throughout. When we looked at the option of revitalising the existing building, there was no interest from the cultural sector. In contrast, this new proposal has been very well received, and we have seen interest and excitement from operators.
“Our decision to go out to procurement for an operating partner is focused on a process to ensure any new building we commission has an operating model that is viable and will be successful before we commence any development work.
“We have to be sure that any new facility gives the people of Haywards Heath a cultural focus rather than just a rentable hall space, and we have to be certain that any proposal for the site is affordable to build, has a realistic prospect of attracting a cultural partner and will be a long-term sustainable asset for the Council and Council tax-payers.
“Although we have taken all possible steps to mitigate risk by carrying out robust and extensive research, there will always be risk with a project of this scale.”
Cllr Eggleston concluded: “I am cautiously optimistic. Although we have taken a significant step forward in our ambition to provide Haywards Heath with an exciting new cultural facility that would give the town a lasting legacy, there are still hurdles to overcome.”
Further information on Clair Hall and the Asset of Community Value can be found at: www.midsussex.gov.uk/business-licensing/assets-of-community-value/ to view our update video visit: https://youtu.be/ZnyVgxYpi8w