New look for the George

Architects from Brian Sellars Associates in Lewes have produced this stylish artist's impression of what the planned redevelopment will look like. It is hoped works will start soon.

Part of the existing pub will be turned into apartments and the outbuildings into self-contained shops. The pub itself will be made smaller and drinking space will be centred around the existing bar.

But to make this attractive scheme a reality, George Hotel owner Pennant Inns has insisted it must also build an 'enabling development' to pay for all the refurbishments '“ a three-storey block of eight apartments in the back garden, which can be seen in this picture.

District councillor Eddie Powell has always been in favour of the idea. He works as a volunteer duty manager at Hailsham Pavilion, on the opposite side of the road to the George, and says he has seen an awful deterioration of the area's character since the hotel closed down.

Eddie said: 'It will drastically improve that end of Hailsham, which we're all trying to make more vibrant with the Pavilion, and now the Cortlandt refurbishments.

'I think the area will be made attractive enough to make people want to walk down there, and they will start to think of Hailsham as more than just the High Street again.

'Anything that leads people down there in the evenings and reduces their fear of crime has got to be a good thing. In the past, old people were afraid of being mugged in Hailsham in the evenings. I think this will bring more people in and make the elderly feel less vulnerable.'

However, he also expressed some 'nervousness' about the proposals, saying: 'Although they make the right noises, I was slightly concerned that it might just be a way for them to build up their portfolio.'

To prevent Pennant Inns from building the profitable flats and apartments part of the proposal and 'running off' without doing-up the pub for the good of the community, they must sign a 'section 106' agreement which ties them to doing everything as planned. When the agreement has been signed, planning consent can be granted formally.