Political opinion: Alison Bennett MP calls for greater investment in Burgess Hill's future

Alison Bennett, Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Sussex, is calling for greater Government investment in Burgess Hill, as she continues to push for the regeneration of the town centre alongside new opportunities for skilled jobs and economic growth.

The longstanding challenges facing Burgess Hill town centre remain a concern for residents and local businesses, with efforts to secure Government regeneration funding proving unsuccessful.  The Liberal Democrat-led Mid Sussex District Council is in the final stages of agreeing a joint venture which, if successful, will finally lead to the regeneration the town has long needed.

Alison raised the issue of regeneration funding in Parliament last month to with Florence Eshalomi MP, Minister of State for Homelessness, Democracy, Communities and Faith. The Mid Sussex MP highlighted concerns raised by Burgess Hill Town Council about access to Government funding and invited the Minister to see the work underway to transform Burgess Hill, which she agreed to.

Alison subsequently wrote to the Minister to arrange the visit and asked further questions on how towns such as Burgess Hill could benefit from the Government's new Hope on the High Street strategy, including funding to tackle derelict buildings, support high street regeneration and bring vacant properties back into use.

She also called for greater clarity on how funding is allocated and what opportunities will be available to towns that have previously missed out on Government support.

The calls for government support for the town centre come as Burgess Hill has been named among the first sites being supported through the Government's new Strategic Sites Accelerator programme, marking a positive step forward for the proposed Science and Technology Park.

The development has the potential to attract investment, support innovation and create skilled employment opportunities, building on Mid Sussex's existing strengths in science and technology.

Alison Bennett MP has been supporting the work of Liberal Democrat-led Mid Sussex District Council on this matter by engaging directly with ministers in the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade over the last two years.

Commenting on the announcement, Alison Bennett MP said: “I’m delighted that Burgess Hill has been named as one of the first sites the Government’s new Strategic Sites Accelerator is working on. I’ve been supporting my Liberal Democrat colleagues who lead Mid Sussex District Council behind the scenes in Parliament to make the case for our Science and Technology Park, and it’s good to see that work recognised.”

“But recognition alone is not enough. The Government now needs to commit the funding and deliver it, so we can unlock more skilled local jobs. Mid Sussex is already home to world-class high-tech businesses like Universal Quantum, CAE, Viridien, Edwards and Roche. With the right backing, Mid Sussex can be home to the high-tech jobs of the future.”

 “At the same time, we are not forgetting the need to bring forward regeneration of Burgess Hill town centre. My Liberal Democrat colleagues at Mid Sussex District Council are working tirelessly to secure the joint venture that will unlock town centre redevelopment, and I hope that the Minister will come to the town soon to see why this redevelopment is so important”.

While the announcement is a welcome development, funding for the Science and Technology Park has yet to be confirmed.

Alison Bennett MP will continue working with local councils and pressing ministers to secure the investment Burgess Hill needs, ensuring that progress on future employment opportunities goes hand in hand with efforts to revitalise the town centre.