Mid Sussex District Council has named its partner for the delivery of a £23 million scheme to redevelop a former civic hall and theatre in Haywards Heath.

The Clair Hall project will be delivered by Wates Residential Development Ltd (Wates Residential), working alongside the council and Digital Picture House.

Once complete, the site in Perrymount Road will include a council-owned cultural venue with a 133-seat main auditorium complete with cinema screen and stage, three smaller auditoriums, community and event space, a green room, and a café and restaurant.

There will also be 39 homes, 45 parking spaces, and a green link between Perrymount Road and Clair Park.

Clair Hall, Haywards Heath. Image: Mid Sussex District Council

placeholder image — Clair Hall, Haywards Heath. Image: Mid Sussex District Council

Planning permission will first be needed for the entire scheme.

Council leader 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.”

An aerial view of the Clair Hall site. Image: Mid Sussex District Council

Part of the family-owned Wates Group, Wates Residential has worked on a number of mixed-use schemes, including a community hub in East Brighton and developments at Borough Yards and King’s Road, in London.

Under the proposals, the company will contribute £3.4 million towards the building of the cultural venue, with the council adding £1.5 million from reserves. The investment is expected to create apprenticeships and work placements during construction and jobs after opening.

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 a planning application is submitted.

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.”

Subject to planning permission, work on the scheme could begin in 2028 and finish by autumn 2029.