MSDC to investigate options to provide modern, fit for purpose Community Facilities on Clair Hall Site

PR2400/MJ/RH - 21/12/2021

The Council reviewed the findings of the recent engagement exercise at a meeting of its Cabinet on 20 December. At this meeting it was agreed that funding would be made available to engage independent specialist advisors to provide evidence-based options for modern, multifunctional community facilities on the Clair Hall site.

Councillor Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council stated “I would like to thank all residents who have taken part in the recent exercise for sharing their views and aspirations for the Clair Hall site. Following the Cabinet meeting on 20 December I can confirm it is our intention to provide modern, fit for purpose facilities on the site. Ensuring that there are modern facilities that meet the needs of Mid Sussex residents is the best way of securing the site's future for years to come.”

The Clair Hall site is currently in use by the NHS for their hugely successful vaccination programme and their request for use of the site may well be extended further through 2022 as the booster programme continues to roll out.

Councillor Ash-Edwards continued: “While we will agree to any request for extended use of the site by the NHS, we will also begin to engage independent specialist advisors to develop evidence-based investment options to meet the future needs of our communities on the site.”

Councillor Norman Webster, MSDC’s Cabinet Member for Community added: “It will be important during the option development phase that we address the challenges the site faced prior to the pandemic. Our aim is to use an evidence-based approach to investigate and develop sustainable options that can provide multi-functional community facilities on the site to be enjoyed by all our communities for years to come.

“We will, of course, be keeping all stakeholders updated as the evidence-based proposals are worked up.”

ENDS