Burgess Hill library demolition underway

The clearing of the site will make way for the next steps in the town centre redevelopment project which is being undertaken by NewRiver.

The demolition project includes work to reinstate a hard surface across the entirety of the site, including the area previously covered by Martlets Hall, to ensure the area is safe, clean, and ready to be brought back into public use.

The whole demolition project is expected to take around six weeks to complete, Mid Sussex District Council said.

Work will be carefully managed to keep any disruption to a minimum and every precaution will be taken to reduce dust and debris.

A spokesman for the district council said: “Demolition of the former library building will allow NewRiver REIT to progress its plans for a mix of new leisure attractions, community facilities, retail units and restaurants in the heart of Burgess Hill.”

A revised planning application for new flats, shops, a gym, bowling alley, a ten-screen cinema and Travelodge hotel was approved by the district council on September 3.

The redevelopment of the site has been dragging on since 2016, when applicant NewRiver was originally given permission for a £65m project.

This latest application included a number of significant changes – and not everyone was happy with what was being offered.

The council received letters raising concerns about the height of the flats and their impact on nearby St John’s Church – a Grade II* listed building.