£20m improvement proposals for A2300 in Burgess Hill

The proposals, which will be displayed in a series of public exhibitions later this month, include:

• Widening the existing A2300 from single to dual carriageway by constructing two new lanes immediately north of the existing road

• Modifications to the existing road layout, including roundabouts to allow for the road widening

• Providing a new footway/cycleway along the northern verge between the proposed Northern Arc access roundabout and the A23/A2300 interchange and the National Cycle Network

• New safety enhancements, including a central reservation with vehicle restraint barriers

• Improved landscaping, planting and environmental mitigation measures

Phase one of the scheme aims to improve connectivity and increase capacity between the A23/M23 strategic road corridor and existing and new housing and commercial development in Burgess Hill – including the proposed Northern Arc development to the north and northwest of the town, the council said.

The majority of funding for phase one will be provided by central Government through the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund.

The remaining funds will be provided by the county council and from developer contributions.

A further £12.5million is available from the Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership and developers’ contributions to deliver sustainable transport measures across Burgess Hill.

The county council is also working with developers to identify potential opportunities for further sustainable transport improvements west of Burgess Hill and is inviting responses.

Roger Elkins, county council cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: “The A2300 corridor improvements scheme is hugely significant for Burgess Hill and the surrounding area as it will deliver more than £20million worth of investment in highways and help to unlock significant improvements.

“Public drop-in sessions are being held this month and I would urge people to tell us what they think about the proposals – your feedback is truly valued.”

Jonathan Sharrock, chief executive for Coast to Capital, added: “Improving transport mobility is identified as a strategic priority in the Coast to Capital Strategic Economic Plan – ‘Gatwick 360’.

“The proposals for the A2300 will greatly benefit businesses in Burgess Hill and the surrounding areas and we are delighted to be able to support this through Local Growth Fund investment of £17million.”

Councillor Garry Wall, council leader for Mid Sussex District Council, said it was a ‘really exciting time’ for Burgess Hill as it grows into a ‘fully sustainable, 21st Century town’.

He added: “Our vision for Burgess Hill is to make the town one of the most attractive places in the region to live and to do business.

“The Burgess Hill Growth Programme will deliver significant development and investment over the next 15 years including 5,000 new homes, new schools, gigabit capable, full-fibre broadband, new business parks, regeneration of the town centre and the region’s first science and technology park.

“The delivery of supporting infrastructure is an essential part of our plans and these improvements to the A2300, alongside further investment in sustainable transport, will be key to unlocking the future prosperity of the town.”

Drop-on sessions are being held at:

• Burgess Hill Town Council, 96 Church Walk, Burgess Hill, RH15 9AS, Tuesday, September 18, 10am–4pm

• The Triangle Leisure Centre, Triangle Way, Burgess Hill, RH15 8WA, Saturday, September 22, 2pm–6pm

• Burgess Hill Town Council, 96 Church Walk, Burgess Hill, RH15 9AS, Tuesday, September 25, 10am – 4pm

• The Hickstead Hotel, Jobs Lane, Hickstead, RH17 5NZ, Thursday, September 27, 4pm–8pm

• Hurstpierpoint Village Centre, Trinity Road, Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9UY, Wednesday, October 3, 2.30pm–6.30pm

Alternatively, to find out more about the future plans, visit www.BurgessHill.net.

Council leader reveals vision for future of Burgess Hill

First phases of Northern Arc development to be revealed at exhibition