Press release – July 2020

Phase Two of the Hailsham Aspires project to enhance the town centre has begun. This involves drawing up a range of possible options for the layout and zoning of the Vicarage Field site. There will then be  a further stage of public consultation.

Brighton-based architects Conran and Partners are taking the lead. This is after the Hailsham Aspires Sponsor Board approved the draft project brief. This was presented by project managers, Mott MacDonald.

Conrad and Partners’ design team will take account of heritage and conservation requirements. Engineers Hilson Moran and AKT II are working to address the need for low carbon construction and other means. These will seek to achieve Carbon Neutral Wealden goals. The project will also seek to respect and enhance views towards St Mary’s Church and the Pevensey Levels. All options will be subject to ongoing viability assessments to find the most appropriate balance that can be afforded.

Cllr Bob Standley, Leader of Wealden District Council, is Chairman of the Hailsham Aspires Sponsor Board. He said: “The aim is to create a cleaner, greener modern market town that’s designed to meet the needs of present and future generations.

“As Hailsham continues to grow, this project will help shape the heart of the town. It will help the local economy thrive. And give communities access to some of the best facilities for employment, health, wellbeing and leisure.”

Once the range of options becomes clearer, there will be opportunities for everyone with an interest in the future sustainability of the town centre to get involved. Community engagement specialist, Snapdragon at PLMR, has led the way in developing Covid-19 compliant consultation strategies.

Involving residents

The Hailsham Aspires team is working with them to devise a consultation strategy. This will to involve residents and local businesses in the town and surrounding area in the Hailsham Aspires decision-making process.

The Design Team is project managed by Mott MacDonald, global management, engineering and development consultants. They co-ordinate and guide the input from environmental engineers Hilson Moran, civil and structural engineers AKT II, planning consultants Lambert Smith Hampton, and a range of other specialist consultants.