Masterplan Options
Redeveloping the town centre provides an exciting opportunity to future proof Hailsham as a destination, whilst also creating a number of benefits for local people including new public spaces, an exciting retail and commercial offering, leisure facilities and much needed new homes.
All three masterplan options include the following:
The project will modernise and expand the town centre’s retail offer, making space for a variety of large, small, and independent stores at the heart of Hailsham Town Centre. This will give residents and visitors more opportunity to support local business and the local economy. A revitalised retail and commercial space will also help attract business to the area and allow for the creation of new jobs.
All options have new civic buildings conveniently located within the masterplan design. This includes access to new Wealden District Council offices, spaces for community groups and opportunities for leisure.
The masterplan options all feature new connections and crossings to create better links to, from and within the town centre. This includes wider pedestrian walkways with a more open feel, making it easier to access and utilise the town centre using various transport options.
New public green space and open space are included within each masterplan option, along with increasing wildlife and biodiversity, significant tree planting and landscaping, and creating opportunities for play.
A mixture of much needed and environmentally friendly homes will be created of varying sizes to provide options for all, from first time buyers to family homes, and those looking to downsize. Bringing more homes into the town centre will also enable people to access services, retail, employment and leisure activities on their doorstep.
Masterplan Option 01
What are the main features of masterplan 01?
- Wealden District Council offices in central location adjacent to new Leisure Facility
- Public green space to the north of the site
- ‘Anchor Store’ to the south, in close proximity to other retail offer
- New multistorey car park in the centre of the site
Masterplan Option 02
What are the main features of masterplan 02?
- Public green space to the north east, with views of the wider countryside
- New car park located close to facilities, e.g. ‘Anchor Store’ and Leisure Facility
- Large public space around war memorial and St Mary’s Church
- Wealden District Council offices to the rear of the site
Masterplan Option 03
What are the main features of masterplan 03?
- Large central public square
- Leisure Facility located adjacent to central square
- New car park in close proximity to the retail zone and Leisure Facility
- Wealden District Council offices to the very rear of the site
High Quality and Characterful Design
As part of the design process, five different ‘character areas’ are being established to provide a distinct personality to each of the key parts of the town centre.
Inspiration for these areas is drawn from Hailsham and the surrounding area to ensure that the proposals would enhance the existing town centre, whilst providing improved facilities, shops, and public spaces.
These ‘character areas’ are:
- Market Square
- Retail lane
- Green Link
- Civic Heart
- Residential Neighbourhood
Community Benefits
Along with the creation of a vibrant new town centre for Hailsham, each of the masterplan options will deliver a considerable number of benefits for local people, the town itself and the district more widely, including:
- Creation of new local jobs and apprenticeships, both during construction and once the scheme is completed
- Significant input into the local economy through an improved retail and commercial offering in Hailsham
- New homes for local people at all stages of their housing journey
- New flexible community space for local groups
- New public and open spaces to sit, socialise and play
- An increase in sustainability across the town through technology advancements, modes of transport and heating and energy strategies
- Reducing carbon emissions on site and delivering a project that goes toward achieving the targets set out in Wealden District Council’s Climate Change Action Plan
High Quality and Characterful Design and Community Benefit – Information boards (pdf)
Please now take the opportunity to leave your feedback on each of the masterplan options; what do you like, what do you like less, what would you prefer? on our Have Your Say page