Burgess Hill town centre: Council disappointed at levelling up fund decision and confirms Plan B

PR2488JAE/MJ - 19/01/2023

Mid Sussex District Council has expressed disappointment that its £18.5 million bid to the levelling up fund to unlock the regeneration of Burgess Hill Town Centre has not been selected by the Government.

The bid would have resolved the viability challenges facing the regeneration in the current economic climate helping deliver significant private sector investment into Burgess Hill.

Councillor Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council said, “It’s clearly disappointing that Burgess Hill hasn’t been selected in the second round of the Levelling Up Fund. With over 500 bids submitted we always knew it was a highly competitive process, notwithstanding the positive feedback we had received from Government”. 

“Unlocking the regeneration of Burgess Hill town centre is a high priority for local residents and it is for the District Council as well. It is clear that we need a plan B to the LUF process and that is the work I will now lead.

“During the wait for an outcome to the LUF bid, we have continued to work with the shopping centre owners, New River REIT, to explore ways to improve viability in difficult economic conditions and secure the investment needed so redevelopment can take place. That work is complex and commercially sensitive but has been constructive. 

“I will shortly call a summit of the key partners so that we can progress plan B at pace”