Initial Consultation 2019
The first phase of consultation for the scheme ran between 12th August – 12th November 2019.
This first phase of consultation included meetings with Hailsham’s key stakeholders, partners and local organisations, focus groups with students from the local community college, input from the Wealden disability and Inclusion group and a public questionnaire available both online and in paper format. There were 818 responses to the feedback questionnaire with key findings shown below and within the summary report. For the duration of the public consultation we also opened a ‘pop-up information centre’ in Vicarage Field. The information centre allowed people to view information relevant to the regeneration, access and complete the feedback survey or submit additional comment cards. All of the feedback received at the information centre has also been analysed as part of the consultation response.
The full report on the first phase of consultation, summarising all the results is available here:
Hailsham Town Centre Regeneration: Consultation (Phase 1) Summary Report
The first stage of consultation explored the aspirations of those that live, work in or visit Hailsham, asking a range of questions on key topics including retail and recreation, leisure and public space, heritage and environment, transport, access to public services and housing. A desire to see more landscaping, trees and green spaces was popular, as was improved access for pedestrians, cyclists, and enhanced sustainability measures. Respondents were keen for regeneration to enhance and be sympathetic to Hailsham’s history and heritage.
Incorporating respondents’ feedback into the Hailsham Aspires Masterplan, the project aspires to:
- Re-energise the town centre through new retail and environmental opportunities (including tree-lined streets) while retaining Hailsham’s unique character
- Create high quality green open spaces to support diverse activities whilst boosting biodiversity
- Enhance connectivity through arrival points, plazas, new connections and crossings
- Address a need for new housing through delivering attractive homes with diverse tenures and well-planned, cohesive neighbourhoods.
