Growth deal for Burgess Hill signed to support new jobs and homes

The Burgess Hill Growth Programme, signed by West Sussex County Council and Mid Sussex District Council, commits to supporting a number of projects set to improve economic growth planned within the next five years.

These include the NewRiver Retail redevelopment of the Martlets Shopping Centre, which includes a new multiplex cinema, hotel, restaurants, flats, and library, the Northern Arc development of more than 3,000 homes, and 4,000 jobs at the new Burgess Hill Science Park.

Andrew Barrett-Miles, leader of Burgess Hill Town Council, said: “I welcome this significant step in the realisation of the town council’s town-wide strategy.

“The two councils agreeing to work together means that there will be commitment and drive to deliver this extremely ambitious project and ensure that our town will get the facilities and infrastructure it deserves.”

Other priorities outlined in the programme are:

• Enhancements to A2300 costing in the region of £23.2m,

• An ambitious and coordinated public transport strategy as part of a sustainable transport package,

• New primary and secondary schools to serve the future demand.

Garry Wall, leader of the district council, said: “There are already some great developments underway in Mid Sussex and private sector confidence in the future of the town is high which can be seen through recent investments by NewRiver Retail and American Express. We now want to build on that to make the district even stronger.

“The agreed growth programme totals investments of around £1billion which will largely be delivered by the private sector so, together with the county council, we will work with these companies to ensure that infrastructure is planned holistically, funded and delivered at the appropriate time.”

Louise Goldsmith, leader of the county council, added: “Both of us agree that there is a real and exciting opportunity in Burgess Hill to create new housing, jobs and rejuvenate the town centre.

“Together we are going to seize this chance and work alongside other agencies to get the best outcome for our residents.”

The growth deal is the second signed by the county council after it launched the first with Crawley Borough Council back in December.

The county council is currently working with other districts to develop similar district deals.

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