Future decided for Clair Hall in Haywards Heath
A community bid to buy or lease the Clair Hall has been turned down by Mid Sussex District Council.
The bid for the venue from the Haywards Heath Community Interest Company (CIC) was dismissed during a meeting of the cabinet on Monday (February 2).
Instead, an as-yet unnamed cultural company will redevelop the site to provide a four-screen luxury cinema, alongside a multi-use performance space, and a restaurant/bar.
The council is also seeking a development partner to deliver housing on part of the site.
Robert Eggleston, leader of the council said: “I am confident we have made the right decision for the site, residents and the future of Haywards Heath.
“This delivers a sustainable venue and an excellent cultural offer – a place to meet, experience, work, and potentially live, for generations to come.
“The provider brings extensive networks and experience, offering more live performance space than originally specified and committing to over 150 hours of live events from artists that may not traditionally come to our area.”
The venue has been under scrutiny since the council decided to close it in 2020. It is not in the best condition, with consultants telling the council that it will take £2.2m over the next five years just to bring it up to scratch.
In November, the site was listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), meaning the council had to give community interest groups the opportunity to place a bid.
The CIC did just that, aiming to use it as a multi-use civic and cultural hub, backed by a £777,000 ‘gift from a local benefactor’.
It proposed two options – buying the venue outright or leasing it from the council.
The property was valued between £1m and £4m, depending on what it was used for. If the council had decided to accept the offered £777,000, the decision would have had to be cleared by the Secretary of State, as the authority would be selling a community asset at less than market value.
Mr Eggleston said: “We understand the disappointment of some community groups, but the ACV proposal was not financially viable. We also acknowledge concerns from the scouts; the council has a long history of supporting the scouts and will continue to do so wherever possible.”
Marion Wilcock, of the CIC, described the situation was ‘frustrating’.
When asked what the group’s next steps would be, she said: “There are a number of unresolved statements and things which we will be following up.
“There are various angles and approaches we can take. Are we going to explore every one? Yes we are?”