Hailsham residents make opinions known on future of town

Almost a thousand residents have made their thoughts known about the future development of Hailsham Town Centre, following a consultation period.
The Hailsham Aspires initiative was designed to ask the people of Hailsham their opinions on what is needed to make the town more attractive and commercially viable in the 21st century. According to Wealden District Council which set up the consultation has revealed people would like to see more green and open spaces in the heart of the town, restaurants, a public space for cultural activities and easier access.
Councillor Bob Standley, Leader of Wealden District Council said; “We asked what is important for the regeneration of Hailsham Town Centre. They have provided many ideas about how we can take this project forward. There is strong support for an approach which enhances the town’s rural heritage and brings environmental benefits to its residents.”
The consultation supported the need for small independent shops, better views of the surrounding countryside, more space for cultural activities and public performance, eat-in restaurants, more trees and a development that respects existing building heights.
Councillor Standley added; “Our appointed development team will now seek to incorporate the best ideas from the consultation into a viable development plan. Hailsham Aspires is vital for the future prosperity of town. Helped by the views of local people, we can design a scheme we can all be proud of.”
The full results of the Hailsham Aspires consultation can be found on the consultation pages of the Wealden website. The development team will now begin drawing up a Master Plan. Members of the public will have an opportunity to comment on the evolving Master Plan later this summer. The planning application for the Hailsham Aspires project is expected to be submitted before the end of 2020.
Photo: Wealden Conservatives. The opening of the Hailsham Aspires shop in Vicarage Field.