Former British Legion building to be used for community events in Burgess Hill

The council stated the move will benefit a wide range of local community groups and is the first element of the implementation of the Neighbourhood Plan, to create a cultural and community quarter.

The purchase has been achieved in partnership with the Royal British Legion trustees who will still have some use of the building.

Leader of Burgess Hill Town Council Ian Simpson said: “I am very pleased that the Town Council has been successful in purchasing the Royal British Legion Building which provides a very substantial additional 6,330 square foot of space for community activities.

“We will be working with local community groups to see how the building can be utilised to meet the future and evolving needs. I would also like to thank my colleague councillors as this was a unanimous decision of council with cross party support.”

Originally the building was going to auction and there was a very real possibility that the site could have been lost to redevelopment. The partnership between the Town Council and Royal British Legion has ensured the building is retained for community use.

Chairman of the Royal British Legion Branch G D Truran said: “After seven years of having the building on the market the Royal British Legion is delighted that the sale of the property has been agreed with the Burgess Hill Town Council.

“We are very pleased that the building is going into good hands and that we will retain the use of office and storage facilities and that the Royal British Legion, the Royal British Legion Women’s Section and other ex-service groups will still be able to hold their meetings at the premises.

“We have worked in partnership with the Town Council to achieve something which will benefit the local community and all our members.”