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£23m revival of Clair Hall site moves forward as final partner is named

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A new cultural venue for cinema, live performance and community activities is at the heart of a £23 million vision to bring the Clair Hall site back into use. The wider redevelopment would create homes, jobs and skills opportunities, support local businesses and improve links to Clair Park.
Wates Residential Development Ltd (Wates Residential) has now been confirmed as the final partner and will work with Mid Sussex District Council and Digital Picture House to deliver the scheme. Selected as the development partner through a competitive process, Wates’ appointment was agreed by Cabinet earlier this month.
Part of the family-owned Wates Group, Wates Residential has an established base in the South East and works with councils and housing associations to deliver homes and regenerate communities. Its experience includes mixed-use schemes with community, cultural and leisure facilities, including a new Community Hub in East Brighton, Erith Park, and wider Wates Group developments featuring cinemas at Borough Yards and King’s Road in London.
At the heart of the proposed scheme will be a Council-owned venue operated by The Digital Picture House, the family business behind The Picture House Cinema & Restaurant, Uckfield and The Atrium Cinema & Bar, East Grinstead. It will feature four auditoriums with state of the art cinema capability, an integrated stage for live performance, a flexible community studio, and an all-day café and restaurant. The auditoriums and community spaces will accommodate up to 330 people for films, shows, talks, meetings, classes, and activities at any one time.
Under the proposals, Wates Residential would contribute £3.4 million towards building the cultural venue. The Council has made a provision for up to £1.5 million from reserves to unlock the scheme and will retain the venue’s freehold, with commercial rent helping to offset any contribution that may be required. As plans develop, the Council will seek to minimise public funding. Any public funding would be released only once the Development Agreement’s conditions are met, including satisfactory planning permission and completion by an agreed target date.
The plans also include a landscaped route to Clair Park with improved surfacing, lighting and native planting, creating a safer, greener and more welcoming pedestrian connection between Perrymount Road and Clair Park.
The investment is also expected to create apprenticeships and work placements during construction and jobs after opening, while turning a long-closed brownfield site into a welcoming community destination.
The plans are at an early stage and may change, with community engagement central to their development. In the first half of 2027, Wates Residential will give residents, community groups, existing users and local organisations opportunities to view, discuss and help shape the proposals before submitting a planning application.
Leader of Mid Sussex District Council, Councillor Robert Eggleston, said: “This is an opportunity to build on Clair Hall’s legacy as a place that brings people together, creating a new entertainment and cultural venue for Haywards Heath and the wider district alongside homes and employment opportunities. It will attract visitors, support the local economy, and give the whole community a place to enjoy.
“We know people will have different views, and we want local voices to help shape what comes next through community engagement and the planning process. We have heard how much people value having a cultural venue here, and we want to secure a welcoming, sustainable future that can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Lee Bushell, Regional Managing Director for Wates Residential South, said: “Clair Hall is an exciting opportunity to bring an important part of Haywards Heath back into full use, building on its history of bringing people together. The mix of homes, culture, community facilities and public space will create a lively, welcoming place throughout the day and evening.
“We are proud to work with Mid Sussex District Council and The Digital Picture House. As long-standing family businesses, Wates Residential and The Digital Picture House understand the importance of thinking for the long term and creating places that matter to their communities.”
Kevin Markwick from The Digital Picture House said: “We want to offer the community a fantastic experience, including a four-screen cinema showing the latest releases, a programme of live music, comedy, theatre and other special events, an all-day café and restaurant, and entertainment throughout the day and evening. We want to create a destination that attracts people of all ages and interests, is welcoming and inclusive, and becomes a vibrant part of life in the town. The flexible community space will also accommodate talks, meetings, classes, and local groups, making the venue a hub for people to come together.”
The scheme requires planning permission. Subject to approval and the necessary agreements, construction could begin in 2028 and finish by autumn 2029. Updates and engagement opportunities will be published on the Council’s website and Engagement Hub.
A new cultural venue for cinema, live performance and community activities is at the heart of a £23 million vision to bring the Clair Hall site back into use. The wider redevelopment would create homes, jobs and skills opportunities, support local businesses and improve links to Clair Park.
Wates Residential Development Ltd (Wates Residential) has now been confirmed as the final partner and will work with Mid Sussex District Council and Digital Picture House to deliver the scheme. Selected as the development partner through a competitive process, Wates’ appointment was agreed by Cabinet earlier this month.
Part of the family-owned Wates Group, Wates Residential has an established base in the South East and works with councils and housing associations to deliver homes and regenerate communities. Its experience includes mixed-use schemes with community, cultural and leisure facilities, including a new Community Hub in East Brighton, Erith Park, and wider Wates Group developments featuring cinemas at Borough Yards and King’s Road in London.
At the heart of the proposed scheme will be a Council-owned venue operated by The Digital Picture House, the family business behind The Picture House Cinema & Restaurant, Uckfield and The Atrium Cinema & Bar, East Grinstead. It will feature four auditoriums with state of the art cinema capability, an integrated stage for live performance, a flexible community studio, and an all-day café and restaurant. The auditoriums and community spaces will accommodate up to 330 people for films, shows, talks, meetings, classes, and activities at any one time.
Under the proposals, Wates Residential would contribute £3.4 million towards building the cultural venue. The Council has made a provision for up to £1.5 million from reserves to unlock the scheme and will retain the venue’s freehold, with commercial rent helping to offset any contribution that may be required. As plans develop, the Council will seek to minimise public funding. Any public funding would be released only once the Development Agreement’s conditions are met, including satisfactory planning permission and completion by an agreed target date.
The plans also include a landscaped route to Clair Park with improved surfacing, lighting and native planting, creating a safer, greener and more welcoming pedestrian connection between Perrymount Road and Clair Park.
The investment is also expected to create apprenticeships and work placements during construction and jobs after opening, while turning a long-closed brownfield site into a welcoming community destination.
The plans are at an early stage and may change, with community engagement central to their development. In the first half of 2027, Wates Residential will give residents, community groups, existing users and local organisations opportunities to view, discuss and help shape the proposals before submitting a planning application.
Leader of Mid Sussex District Council, Councillor Robert Eggleston, said: “This is an opportunity to build on Clair Hall’s legacy as a place that brings people together, creating a new entertainment and cultural venue for Haywards Heath and the wider district alongside homes and employment opportunities. It will attract visitors, support the local economy, and give the whole community a place to enjoy.
“We know people will have different views, and we want local voices to help shape what comes next through community engagement and the planning process. We have heard how much people value having a cultural venue here, and we want to secure a welcoming, sustainable future that can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Lee Bushell, Regional Managing Director for Wates Residential South, said: “Clair Hall is an exciting opportunity to bring an important part of Haywards Heath back into full use, building on its history of bringing people together. The mix of homes, culture, community facilities and public space will create a lively, welcoming place throughout the day and evening.
“We are proud to work with Mid Sussex District Council and The Digital Picture House. As long-standing family businesses, Wates Residential and The Digital Picture House understand the importance of thinking for the long term and creating places that matter to their communities.”
Kevin Markwick from The Digital Picture House said: “We want to offer the community a fantastic experience, including a four-screen cinema showing the latest releases, a programme of live music, comedy, theatre and other special events, an all-day café and restaurant, and entertainment throughout the day and evening. We want to create a destination that attracts people of all ages and interests, is welcoming and inclusive, and becomes a vibrant part of life in the town. The flexible community space will also accommodate talks, meetings, classes, and local groups, making the venue a hub for people to come together.”
The scheme requires planning permission. Subject to approval and the necessary agreements, construction could begin in 2028 and finish by autumn 2029. Updates and engagement opportunities will be published on the Council’s website and Engagement Hub.
£23 million Clair Hall regeneration set to bring new cultural venue, jobs and investment to Haywards Heath

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A new cinema-led cultural venue, year-round entertainment and 39 homes are among plans for a £23 million investment in Haywards Heath, alongside new jobs, skills opportunities and improved links to Clair Park.
Mid Sussex District Council’s Cabinet has agreed to appoint a preferred developer for the Clair Hall site, moving forward plans to bring this important town-centre site back into full use. The preferred developer and emerging plans will be announced shortly.
The proposals would complete the final major development site in the Station Quarter, building on investment in the railway station, Waitrose, new homes, the hotel, and Aldi. Together, these improvements would strengthen this key gateway to Haywards Heath and create a more welcoming, lively, and connected destination for residents, businesses and visitors.
At its heart would be a new Council-owned cultural venue operated by the Digital Picture House, a family-owned business with a strong community focus and successful venues in Uckfield and East Grinstead. The four-screen venue would include a 133-seat auditorium with an integrated stage, three smaller screens, a green room, and an all-day café and restaurant with outdoor seating. A flexible community studio would provide a welcoming space for talks, birthday parties, yoga classes, and other local activities.
For local people, that would mean more choice close to home: film, theatre, live performance, events, community classes. Digital Picture House has committed to more than 150 hours of live, in-person cultural activity each year, helping to make culture more accessible to people of all ages.
The wider scheme would create a landscape-led link between Perrymount Road and Clair Park, with improved surfacing, lighting and pedestrian access from the station. New planting, and public spaces would help create a greener and more inviting route through the site, while the new cultural venue would bring activity to Perrymount Road throughout the day and evening.
The investment is also expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy. Around 115,000 cinema admissions are forecast in the first year, rising to 139,000 by year three, bringing more people into the town centre and supporting nearby shops, cafés, restaurants and other businesses. The cultural venue could create up to 60 jobs, including five full-time posts, alongside the equivalent of 19 full-time equivalent construction jobs, nine apprenticeships and 20 work placements during development.
The developer has proposed more than £1.1 million of social value for the community, including employment and skills support, careers activity, local supply-chain opportunities, wellbeing programmes and the planting of 200 native trees. The scheme is also proposed to deliver 39 low-rise, centrally located homes and high-quality public spaces designed to complement Clair Park, improve access and open up stronger connections between the park, station and wider town centre.
Leader of the Council Robert Eggleston said: “This is about creating a place where existing and future generations can watch a film, celebrate a birthday, see a show, or simply meet friends. We want it to become part of people’s everyday lives and special occasions - a welcoming destination with something for all ages throughout the day and into the evening.
“Clair Hall has played an important part in local life for many years. This proposal can build on that legacy, bringing together film, live performance, food and community activity in one place while unlocking more than £23 million of investment in the wider site.

“That investment would bring this important site back into full use, secure a viable and sustainable future for Clair Hall and improve its integration with Clair Park, creating stronger connections between the park, station and amenities along Perrymount Road. Coupled with Digital Picture House’s experience and community focus, this is an exciting opportunity for Haywards Heath.

“There is still more work to do, and the community will have opportunities to help shape the detail as the plans develop.”
Conservative Councillor Rod Clarke said: “We have always been determined to deliver an outstanding entertainment venue for Haywards Heath that is fit for the future. We recognise that the journey has taken time and caused frustration for some current and former users, but the focus has remained on securing the right long-term outcome for the town.
“We have always believed that the right building would help secure an excellent operator, high-quality performers and a varied programme of events. This new cultural venue will create jobs, skills and opportunities, while providing activities that appeal to people of all ages and interests across the community.
“Alongside the Digital Picture House, the wider regeneration will bring more visitors into Haywards Heath and support a lively, renewed area close to the railway station. We are ambitious for this important part of the town and want residents to have a strong choice of entertainment, arts and culture on their doorstep. This is an exciting opportunity to give Clair Hall a viable, sustainable future.”
Cabinet has also approved provision for a Council contribution of up to £1.5 million from reserves towards the proposed £4.9 million new cultural facility. This provision unlocks the £23 million redevelopment of the final major development site in the Station Quarter and is required because development costs have risen, in line with trends seen nationally. Any Council funding will be released only when key conditions in the proposed Development Agreement are met, including satisfactory planning permission being granted and the cultural facility being built by a target date. The Council will retain freehold ownership of the completed cultural venue, which will be operated by Digital Picture House under a commercial lease, with the rent helping to offset any contribution made from reserves. The Council will continue to work with the developer to reduce the contribution where possible.
The proposals are still at an early stage and will require planning permission before they can go ahead. As part of any future planning application, the local community will have the opportunity to view and comment on the detailed plans, and those comments will be considered through the planning process.
Subject to planning permission and completion of the necessary agreements, work could start in 2028 and be completed by autumn 2029, with residents and existing users kept informed as the plans develop.
Further information, together with opportunities for the community to get involved, will be published on the Council’s Engagement Hub as this work progresses.
A new cinema-led cultural venue, year-round entertainment and 39 homes are among plans for a £23 million investment in Haywards Heath, alongside new jobs, skills opportunities and improved links to Clair Park.
Mid Sussex District Council’s Cabinet has agreed to appoint a preferred developer for the Clair Hall site, moving forward plans to bring this important town-centre site back into full use. The preferred developer and emerging plans will be announced shortly.
The proposals would complete the final major development site in the Station Quarter, building on investment in the railway station, Waitrose, new homes, the hotel, and Aldi. Together, these improvements would strengthen this key gateway to Haywards Heath and create a more welcoming, lively, and connected destination for residents, businesses and visitors.
At its heart would be a new Council-owned cultural venue operated by the Digital Picture House, a family-owned business with a strong community focus and successful venues in Uckfield and East Grinstead. The four-screen venue would include a 133-seat auditorium with an integrated stage, three smaller screens, a green room, and an all-day café and restaurant with outdoor seating. A flexible community studio would provide a welcoming space for talks, birthday parties, yoga classes, and other local activities.
For local people, that would mean more choice close to home: film, theatre, live performance, events, community classes. Digital Picture House has committed to more than 150 hours of live, in-person cultural activity each year, helping to make culture more accessible to people of all ages.
The wider scheme would create a landscape-led link between Perrymount Road and Clair Park, with improved surfacing, lighting and pedestrian access from the station. New planting, and public spaces would help create a greener and more inviting route through the site, while the new cultural venue would bring activity to Perrymount Road throughout the day and evening.
The investment is also expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy. Around 115,000 cinema admissions are forecast in the first year, rising to 139,000 by year three, bringing more people into the town centre and supporting nearby shops, cafés, restaurants and other businesses. The cultural venue could create up to 60 jobs, including five full-time posts, alongside the equivalent of 19 full-time equivalent construction jobs, nine apprenticeships and 20 work placements during development.
The developer has proposed more than £1.1 million of social value for the community, including employment and skills support, careers activity, local supply-chain opportunities, wellbeing programmes and the planting of 200 native trees. The scheme is also proposed to deliver 39 low-rise, centrally located homes and high-quality public spaces designed to complement Clair Park, improve access and open up stronger connections between the park, station and wider town centre.
Leader of the Council Robert Eggleston said: “This is about creating a place where existing and future generations can watch a film, celebrate a birthday, see a show, or simply meet friends. We want it to become part of people’s everyday lives and special occasions - a welcoming destination with something for all ages throughout the day and into the evening.
“Clair Hall has played an important part in local life for many years. This proposal can build on that legacy, bringing together film, live performance, food and community activity in one place while unlocking more than £23 million of investment in the wider site.

“That investment would bring this important site back into full use, secure a viable and sustainable future for Clair Hall and improve its integration with Clair Park, creating stronger connections between the park, station and amenities along Perrymount Road. Coupled with Digital Picture House’s experience and community focus, this is an exciting opportunity for Haywards Heath.

“There is still more work to do, and the community will have opportunities to help shape the detail as the plans develop.”
Conservative Councillor Rod Clarke said: “We have always been determined to deliver an outstanding entertainment venue for Haywards Heath that is fit for the future. We recognise that the journey has taken time and caused frustration for some current and former users, but the focus has remained on securing the right long-term outcome for the town.
“We have always believed that the right building would help secure an excellent operator, high-quality performers and a varied programme of events. This new cultural venue will create jobs, skills and opportunities, while providing activities that appeal to people of all ages and interests across the community.
“Alongside the Digital Picture House, the wider regeneration will bring more visitors into Haywards Heath and support a lively, renewed area close to the railway station. We are ambitious for this important part of the town and want residents to have a strong choice of entertainment, arts and culture on their doorstep. This is an exciting opportunity to give Clair Hall a viable, sustainable future.”
Cabinet has also approved provision for a Council contribution of up to £1.5 million from reserves towards the proposed £4.9 million new cultural facility. This provision unlocks the £23 million redevelopment of the final major development site in the Station Quarter and is required because development costs have risen, in line with trends seen nationally. Any Council funding will be released only when key conditions in the proposed Development Agreement are met, including satisfactory planning permission being granted and the cultural facility being built by a target date. The Council will retain freehold ownership of the completed cultural venue, which will be operated by Digital Picture House under a commercial lease, with the rent helping to offset any contribution made from reserves. The Council will continue to work with the developer to reduce the contribution where possible.
The proposals are still at an early stage and will require planning permission before they can go ahead. As part of any future planning application, the local community will have the opportunity to view and comment on the detailed plans, and those comments will be considered through the planning process.
Subject to planning permission and completion of the necessary agreements, work could start in 2028 and be completed by autumn 2029, with residents and existing users kept informed as the plans develop.
Further information, together with opportunities for the community to get involved, will be published on the Council’s Engagement Hub as this work progresses.
Mid Sussex District Council Cabinet to decide on the next steps for the Clair Hall site, as part of the Station Quarter redevelopment.

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Mid Sussex District Council's Cabinet will consider whether to appoint a preferred developer for the Clair Hall site when it meets on Monday 12 October.
The appointment would allow proposals for the final major development site in the Station Quarter to move to the next stage. The Station Quarter is a key gateway to Haywards Heath, centred around the railway station, Perrymount Road and the surrounding town centre. Development already completed in this area includes Waitrose, new homes, a café, a gym, retail space and a hotel.
Following a competitive procurement process, Cabinet is being asked whether to appoint the preferred developer, authorise Council officers to finalise and enter into the necessary legal agreements, and make provision for a Council contribution of up to £1.5 million towards the proposed cultural facility.
Any Cabinet decision would be separate from the planning process and would not grant planning permission or approve a final design.
The Cabinet report sets out a potential whole-site redevelopment valued at more than £23 million. The preferred bidder’s indicative proposal includes:
a cultural facility with a 133-seat main auditorium, including a cinema screen and stage, three smaller auditoriums, community and event space, a green room, and a café and restaurant
39 low-rise homes
45 parking spaces
public space and landscaping
a green link between Perrymount Road and Clair Park
employment, training, environmental and community commitments which the bidder estimates would generate more than £1.1 million in social value, including 19 construction jobs, nine apprenticeships, 20 work placements and the planting of 200 native trees
These details are indicative and may be refined as part of the formal planning process. Local residents and the wider community will have the opportunity to provide feedback during that process, which will be taken into consideration alongside other relevant factors.
Cabinet is being asked to make provision for a Council contribution of up to £1.5 million towards the proposed £4.9 million new cultural facility. This is required as development costs have risen, in line with trends seen nationally. If approved, this would unlock the £23 million proposal and allow the final major development site in the Station Quarter to move forward. Any Council funding would be released only when key conditions in the proposed Development Agreement were met, including satisfactory planning permission being granted and the cultural facility being built by a target date. The Council will, however, continue to work with the developer to reduce the contribution where possible.
Under the proposal, the Council would retain ownership of the completed cultural facility, which would remain a public asset. It would be leased to the approved operator, Digital Picture House (appointed Cultural Provider), providing rental income to the Council.
The full Cabinet papers are available via the Council website here.
Mid Sussex District Council's Cabinet will consider whether to appoint a preferred developer for the Clair Hall site when it meets on Monday 12 October.
The appointment would allow proposals for the final major development site in the Station Quarter to move to the next stage. The Station Quarter is a key gateway to Haywards Heath, centred around the railway station, Perrymount Road and the surrounding town centre. Development already completed in this area includes Waitrose, new homes, a café, a gym, retail space and a hotel.
Following a competitive procurement process, Cabinet is being asked whether to appoint the preferred developer, authorise Council officers to finalise and enter into the necessary legal agreements, and make provision for a Council contribution of up to £1.5 million towards the proposed cultural facility.
Any Cabinet decision would be separate from the planning process and would not grant planning permission or approve a final design.
The Cabinet report sets out a potential whole-site redevelopment valued at more than £23 million. The preferred bidder’s indicative proposal includes:
a cultural facility with a 133-seat main auditorium, including a cinema screen and stage, three smaller auditoriums, community and event space, a green room, and a café and restaurant
39 low-rise homes
45 parking spaces
public space and landscaping
a green link between Perrymount Road and Clair Park
employment, training, environmental and community commitments which the bidder estimates would generate more than £1.1 million in social value, including 19 construction jobs, nine apprenticeships, 20 work placements and the planting of 200 native trees
These details are indicative and may be refined as part of the formal planning process. Local residents and the wider community will have the opportunity to provide feedback during that process, which will be taken into consideration alongside other relevant factors.
Cabinet is being asked to make provision for a Council contribution of up to £1.5 million towards the proposed £4.9 million new cultural facility. This is required as development costs have risen, in line with trends seen nationally. If approved, this would unlock the £23 million proposal and allow the final major development site in the Station Quarter to move forward. Any Council funding would be released only when key conditions in the proposed Development Agreement were met, including satisfactory planning permission being granted and the cultural facility being built by a target date. The Council will, however, continue to work with the developer to reduce the contribution where possible.
Under the proposal, the Council would retain ownership of the completed cultural facility, which would remain a public asset. It would be leased to the approved operator, Digital Picture House (appointed Cultural Provider), providing rental income to the Council.
The full Cabinet papers are available via the Council website here.
Update – 20 April

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This week, Mid Sussex District Council is launching meetings with developers interested in the Clair Hall site. These briefings will set out our ambition: to establish a community cultural facility that delivers benefits for local residents. In February, the appointment of a new cultural provider marked another key milestone, and further details about their plans are available in our 17 February update below.

What we are seeking from a developer
We are seeking developer proposals that can realise a new cultural facility while ensuring the project is both viable and sustainable for the long term. Achieving viability will depend onContinue reading
This week, Mid Sussex District Council is launching meetings with developers interested in the Clair Hall site. These briefings will set out our ambition: to establish a community cultural facility that delivers benefits for local residents. In February, the appointment of a new cultural provider marked another key milestone, and further details about their plans are available in our 17 February update below.

What we are seeking from a developer
We are seeking developer proposals that can realise a new cultural facility while ensuring the project is both viable and sustainable for the long term. Achieving viability will depend on integrating residential units into the development, which is expected to create much needed homes. These discussions are crucial for communicating, our and the community’s priorities, and giving developers the opportunity to clarify requirements as they prepare their bids. Our ambition is to secure proposals that not only deliver a high-quality community facility but also adopt designs that are in harmony with their surroundings, enhancing the character and cohesion of existing developments in the area.

Enabling comprehensive plans for the site
To facilitate the proposed cultural and residential development at Clair Hall, we have published a Section 123 Notice regarding the intended disposal of a modest area of open space on the site's perimeter. This is a necessary step to enable developers to submit comprehensive proposals for the entire site, incorporating both community and housing elements. We are clear in our expectation that developers will maintain landscaping and greening standards in their plans, in line with the quality of other local developments. A plan can be inspected at the reception desk at the District Council offices (Oaklands, Oaklands Road, Haywards Heath) or by emailing property@midsussex.gov.uk or phoning 01444 477577. The section 123 notice went into the local paper on 26 March and 2 April. The deadline for responses to be sent to property@midsussex.gov.uk is 12 noon on Friday 24 April.

Next steps
We anticipate appointing a developer in the autumn of 2026. Once selected, the developer will collaborate closely with the District Council and our newly appointed Cultural Operator, to develop plans reflecting our ambitions for the site. The planning process will include opportunities for local residents to engage on the proposed designs and provide feedback before any final decisions are made by the relevant committee.
Update - 17 February

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Mid Sussex District Council has confirmed that The Digital Picture House Limited has been selected as the operator for the new cultural venue at the Clair Hall site.
The Digital Picture House Limited is a family-owned cinema and restaurant operator with strong local roots and experience in delivering high-quality, community-focused venues.
As previously outlined, the new cultural destination will feature:
A four-screen cinema offering a mix of mainstream, independent and specialist films.
A flexible performance and events space equipped with professional sound and lighting.
A restaurant and bar alongside community-focused facilities.
The operator has set out plans to create a welcoming, year-round cultural hub for the town, with live performances, screenings, festivals and community events. Their proposal also includes supporting local employment and training opportunities, working with community groups, and engaging young people in film programming.
With the operator now confirmed, the council will move forward with the next phase of the project, including the procurement of a development partner to help deliver the scheme.
Mid Sussex District Council has confirmed that The Digital Picture House Limited has been selected as the operator for the new cultural venue at the Clair Hall site.
The Digital Picture House Limited is a family-owned cinema and restaurant operator with strong local roots and experience in delivering high-quality, community-focused venues.
As previously outlined, the new cultural destination will feature:
A four-screen cinema offering a mix of mainstream, independent and specialist films.
A flexible performance and events space equipped with professional sound and lighting.
A restaurant and bar alongside community-focused facilities.
The operator has set out plans to create a welcoming, year-round cultural hub for the town, with live performances, screenings, festivals and community events. Their proposal also includes supporting local employment and training opportunities, working with community groups, and engaging young people in film programming.
With the operator now confirmed, the council will move forward with the next phase of the project, including the procurement of a development partner to help deliver the scheme.
Update – 2 February

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Mid Sussex District Council has agreed a new cultural use for the Clair Hall site in Haywards Heath.

Following an open and externally validated procurement process, the council’s Cabinet unanimously approved a proposal from a local cultural operator to deliver a new, financially sustainable cultural venue for the town.

The approved proposal includes:

A four-screen luxury cinema.

A flexible performance and events space with professional sound and lighting.

A restaurant and bar.

A year-round programme of live performances, screenings and community events.

The operator also plans to:

Support local employment and training.

Host arts festivals and charity screenings.

Involve young people in film programming.

Work with local groups to ensure the venue is welcoming and accessible.

The council carefully considered a range of options for the site, including community-led proposals. While these were valued, they were not considered financially viable in the long term. The approved proposal was assessed as offering a sustainable future for the building while delivering a strong cultural benefit for residents.

The council will now work with the successful operator to progress the next stages of the project. Further updates will be shared on this page as plans are developed.
Mid Sussex District Council has agreed a new cultural use for the Clair Hall site in Haywards Heath.

Following an open and externally validated procurement process, the council’s Cabinet unanimously approved a proposal from a local cultural operator to deliver a new, financially sustainable cultural venue for the town.

The approved proposal includes:

A four-screen luxury cinema.

A flexible performance and events space with professional sound and lighting.

A restaurant and bar.

A year-round programme of live performances, screenings and community events.

The operator also plans to:

Support local employment and training.

Host arts festivals and charity screenings.

Involve young people in film programming.

Work with local groups to ensure the venue is welcoming and accessible.

The council carefully considered a range of options for the site, including community-led proposals. While these were valued, they were not considered financially viable in the long term. The approved proposal was assessed as offering a sustainable future for the building while delivering a strong cultural benefit for residents.

The council will now work with the successful operator to progress the next stages of the project. Further updates will be shared on this page as plans are developed.
Update – 23 January

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Mid Sussex District Council Cabinet has agreed to consider the future of Clair Hall at its meeting on 2 February 2026, following two parallel processes:

The council triggered an Asset of Community Value process in mid-2025, giving community groups the opportunity to express an interest in the site.

At the same time, the site was marketed to find a potential cultural partner to deliver a new cultural offer.

In response, the council received:

An expression of interest from Haywards Heath Community Community Interest Company (HHC CIC), which was considered first by councillors.

A proposal from a potential cultural partner, which would be considered by Cabinet in the event the community bid was not accepted.

Details of the Cabinet meeting and supporting papers can be found on the council website.
Mid Sussex District Council Cabinet has agreed to consider the future of Clair Hall at its meeting on 2 February 2026, following two parallel processes:

The council triggered an Asset of Community Value process in mid-2025, giving community groups the opportunity to express an interest in the site.

At the same time, the site was marketed to find a potential cultural partner to deliver a new cultural offer.

In response, the council received:

An expression of interest from Haywards Heath Community Community Interest Company (HHC CIC), which was considered first by councillors.

A proposal from a potential cultural partner, which would be considered by Cabinet in the event the community bid was not accepted.

Details of the Cabinet meeting and supporting papers can be found on the council website.
Update – 12 June

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The council has formally launched a procurement process to find a cultural partner to help deliver a new cultural venue on the Clair Hall site.

This follows earlier work to prepare procurement documents for an operator to deliver a multi-screen cinema with food and drink facilities, with the largest screen also able to host live performances.

The council hopes to secure an operating partner later in 2025, which will then allow the next stage of finding a developer for the scheme to begin.

At the same time, the council has triggered an Asset of Community Value (ACV) process. This gives community groups the opportunity to express an interest in the Clair Hall site.

Community bids must submit an expression of interest by 25 July 2025.

The council will carefully consider all ACV expressions before moving forward with a development partner.

Independent investigations were carried out earlier in 2025 to understand what would be needed for a successful cultural facility at Clair Hall, and to test market interest. Those findings have informed the procurement process now underway.

Further updates on the procurement and community interest process will be shared here as they become available.
The council has formally launched a procurement process to find a cultural partner to help deliver a new cultural venue on the Clair Hall site.

This follows earlier work to prepare procurement documents for an operator to deliver a multi-screen cinema with food and drink facilities, with the largest screen also able to host live performances.

The council hopes to secure an operating partner later in 2025, which will then allow the next stage of finding a developer for the scheme to begin.

At the same time, the council has triggered an Asset of Community Value (ACV) process. This gives community groups the opportunity to express an interest in the Clair Hall site.

Community bids must submit an expression of interest by 25 July 2025.

The council will carefully consider all ACV expressions before moving forward with a development partner.

Independent investigations were carried out earlier in 2025 to understand what would be needed for a successful cultural facility at Clair Hall, and to test market interest. Those findings have informed the procurement process now underway.

Further updates on the procurement and community interest process will be shared here as they become available.
Update - 19 August

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Following the decision made at Cabinet on 29 July, we are eager to move forward with developing a cultural facility. To achieve this, we plan to go to the market and offer the land as a key component of the project. We are inviting proposals from developers and potential operators, asking what additional features—such as residential units, retail spaces or other innovative ideas—could be included to make the overall development viable and sustainable.
We understand that the community has diverse needs and that it may be challenging to meet all of them. Therefore, we aim to find a modern, flexible solution that balances these needs and gives us the best chance of success. We are committed to making our decisions transparently and publicly, ensuring that the process is open and inclusive.
We are now keen to engage in discussions with potential operators to explore how we can best develop the Clair Hall site. While we may not be able to satisfy every individual requirement, our goal is to create a vibrant, multifaceted development that benefits the community as a whole. Crucially we have committed that any redevelopment of the site must begin with a cultural facility.
Following the decision made at Cabinet on 29 July, we are eager to move forward with developing a cultural facility. To achieve this, we plan to go to the market and offer the land as a key component of the project. We are inviting proposals from developers and potential operators, asking what additional features—such as residential units, retail spaces or other innovative ideas—could be included to make the overall development viable and sustainable.
We understand that the community has diverse needs and that it may be challenging to meet all of them. Therefore, we aim to find a modern, flexible solution that balances these needs and gives us the best chance of success. We are committed to making our decisions transparently and publicly, ensuring that the process is open and inclusive.
We are now keen to engage in discussions with potential operators to explore how we can best develop the Clair Hall site. While we may not be able to satisfy every individual requirement, our goal is to create a vibrant, multifaceted development that benefits the community as a whole. Crucially we have committed that any redevelopment of the site must begin with a cultural facility.
Update - 21 December

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We would like to thank everyone for their interest and for contributing ideas to enhance Clair Hall.
As we progress into the next phase, we're pleased to share that we are currently in the process of confirming the schedule for the upcoming technical panel which will be taking place either the week commencing January 29th or February 5^th, 2024. As we eagerly anticipate this, we'll be dedicating time to thoroughly review all the submissions we've received and are committed to ensuring a comprehensive and fair evaluation of each proposal. As a reminder our technical panel is an independent group of specialists who will be considering the proposals submitted – you can find out more about them here.
We have received a request from an individual for their proposal to remain confidential. In accordance with this request, we are ensuring that all proposals are treated with confidentiality. However, any group that wishes to share their proposal publicly is welcome to do so. It's important to note that if a proposal is shared in a manner different from its original submission, the Council reserves the right to publicly highlight any discrepancies.
Once we have confirmed the date for the technical panel, we will share a comprehensive timeline outlining the next steps. Additionally, we will ensure that the engagement hub remains regularly updated.

Thank you for your patience and we look forward to sharing more updates soon.

We would like to thank everyone for their interest and for contributing ideas to enhance Clair Hall.
As we progress into the next phase, we're pleased to share that we are currently in the process of confirming the schedule for the upcoming technical panel which will be taking place either the week commencing January 29th or February 5^th, 2024. As we eagerly anticipate this, we'll be dedicating time to thoroughly review all the submissions we've received and are committed to ensuring a comprehensive and fair evaluation of each proposal. As a reminder our technical panel is an independent group of specialists who will be considering the proposals submitted – you can find out more about them here.
We have received a request from an individual for their proposal to remain confidential. In accordance with this request, we are ensuring that all proposals are treated with confidentiality. However, any group that wishes to share their proposal publicly is welcome to do so. It's important to note that if a proposal is shared in a manner different from its original submission, the Council reserves the right to publicly highlight any discrepancies.
Once we have confirmed the date for the technical panel, we will share a comprehensive timeline outlining the next steps. Additionally, we will ensure that the engagement hub remains regularly updated.

Thank you for your patience and we look forward to sharing more updates soon.