Press Release – January 2021

Following on from an initial successful consultation in 2019 with more than 800 respondents, ‘Hailsham Aspires’ is now launching the next stage of stakeholder engagement to understand residents’ thoughts on three different masterplan options for the town centre.

Hailsham Aspires was created by Wealden District Council to bring forward plans to enhance and regenerate Hailsham Town Centre. The vision for the regeneration is to create a welcoming, inclusive, and impressive design that draws on the history of the town and enhances its surroundings. The current proposals include retail, employment space, civic and leisure uses, and new environmentally friendly town centre homes for local people, as well as an exciting evening economy, public realm, and car parking.

The aim is to address the challenges the town centre currently faces, and to support local communities now and into the future, investing in the town as a key growth area in East Sussex in line with the vision in the Hailsham Neighbourhood Plan.

The first stage of consultation explored the aspirations of those that live, work in, or visit Hailsham, asking a range of questions on key topics. A desire to see more landscaping, trees and green spaces was popular, as was improved access for pedestrians, cyclists, and enhanced sustainability measures. Respondents were keen for regeneration to enhance and be sympathetic to Hailsham’s history and heritage.

Councillor Bob Standley, Leader of Wealden District Council, says: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to build sensitively and thoughtfully for the future of Hailsham town centre and it is so important that residents seize the opportunity to have their voices heard.”

Mayor of Hailsham and Chairman of Hailsham Town Council, Councillor Paul Holbrook says: “This is an exciting project to rejuvenate and reinvigorate the centre of Hailsham for both present and future generations to enjoy. I look forward to seeing the feedback received from the consultation and how this will feed into the final masterplan”

Hailsham Aspires is looking for feedback on what you like and what you like less about each masterplan option, and which elements you would prefer to see in a new option by taking part in the consultation survey from 18^th January to 14^th March. Feedback can be provided here, calling freephone 0800 368 7592 or emailing HailshamAspires@wealden.gov.uk