A range of events has been announced to draw people back to a town centre. Mid Sussex District Council, together with investor NewRiver, will be bringing the “urban events” programme for young people to Burgess Hill. Activities include laser tag for families, DJ and circus skill workshops, a mini golf course and bouncy castle games.
A line-up of Halloween and festive events has also been put together, including face painting and a synthetic ice rink. It comes as the local authority and NewRiver have entered into a joint venture to revitalise Burgess Hill town centre. Visitors to the town have expressed their thoughts on the current state of the centre, which some say is in decline.
Most recently, three business closures were announced - Millets, Shoe Zone and Halifax , while Costa Coffee shut in July. Halifax is due to close next year (Image: Google) A Truffles Bakery hopes to fill the empty lot left behind by Millets, with a planning application currently under consideration. Councillor Robert Eggleston, leader of Mid Sussex District Council, said: “Like many shopping centres around the country, Burgess Hill has been struggling with the rise of online shopping, intense out-of-town competition, the long-term effects of the Covid pandemic and tough trading conditions.
“The town is gearing up for significant economic growth. READ MORE: Town centre 'rotting from the inside out' as Costa closes “We need a vibrant, high quality and accessible town centre to meet the dema.