Refurbishment plans for Amex building in Burgess Hill

A graphic showing the atrium, which is contained in the design brief

American Express has submitted plans to revamp its office in Burgess Hill, with space for more than 1,200 staff.

The company’s outline application gives the number of staff as 900 with “proposed employees” eventually numbering 1,250.

However, when asked by the Middy if new positions would be created, a spokesman for the company said: “No, not at the present time.”

If plans are approved, the iconic building known as ‘Sussex House’ will have a new glass atrium and a striking new entrance designed by London based architects Pringle Brandon.

Sussex House off Civic Way was vacated about two years go when staff were moved down to Brighton but some staff from the technologies division were moved back to Burgess Hill on a temporary basis last year as part of preparations to refurbish the building.

Refurbishment plans include a new “glass box” entrance to the east of the site, with a refurbished ground floor reception area leading to space under the new glass atrium.

The office space is open plan, and the third floor will have larger conference room spaces and a café seating 200 people.

The lower ground floor has underground parking, with proposals for a new “wellness centre” for fitness classes and shower facilities, and a multi-faith room for employees.

Refurbishment work, which includes 18 extra parking spaces, is due to be completed in 2015 when the building will be re-occupied.

A company spokesman said staff from the technologies division will be among employees returning to the newly refurbished building.

The spokesman added: “We are carrying out works on our Sussex House property to ensure we have the right facilities and infrastructure in place to support our business for many years to come.”