Controversial plans to regenerate a town centre have been revised after attracting opposition.

The £200 million Mid Sussex District Council and Thornfield Properties scheme aims to breathe new life into Haywards Heath.

The original plans, which included 700 flats and the closure and relocation of the Clair Hall theatre and the attached Age Concern building, sparked outrage in the town.

Now Thornfield has developed a “concept scheme” designed to appease those concerns before a planning application is submitted.

Under the revised scheme Clair Hall would remain open until the new facility is built.

The plans also include:

  • More than 700 flats
  • A new railway station and concourse with improved access for taxis, cars, buses and bicycles
  • Increased parking provision with room for 1,000 cars
  • An expanded Clair Hall, located at the heart of the scheme
  • A new bigger building for Age Concern
  • A new station square designed to create a “vibrant café culture”.
  • But the concept scheme has failed to quell anger among some campaigners.

Haywards Heath town councillor Paddy Henry said: “That site was set aside for about 150 homes as well as leisure amenities like restaurants and shops.

“But they want to build a huge high-rise block of 700 flats – and it is simply not viable. People are very worried about the proposals and the impact on traffic.

“Residents want to see new things in the town but they want to be consulted.

“We need a mix of residential and retail development – and not have hundreds of flats squeezed into a small site.”

The council says residents will have the opportunity to have their say during public consultation before a planning application is developed over the coming year.

The scheme is part of £600 million plans to regenerate town centres in Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath and East Grinstead.

John Jory, chief executive of Mid Sussex District Council, said: “For too long, Mid Sussex has been overlooked by the private sector and town centre investment has been in short supply.

“All the projects are progressing well, which is a remarkable achievement in the current financial climate in which many projects elsewhere are being put on hold. The revitalisation of our town centres will deliver better shops, restaurants and community facilities, making them much nicer places to visit.”

History of Clair Hall

Clair Hall was built in 1974 following the redevelopment of the former community hall in South Road.

In 1997, it was extended and refurbished to include a large stage enabling both amateur and professional theatre to be produced.

The Haywards Heath Operatic Society puts on two shows a year and the Weald Theatre Group presents an annual pantomime at Christmas.