A new future for Clair Hall as Wates Residential joins £23m regeneration
We’re proud to have been appointed as development partner to work with Mid Sussex District Council and The Digital Picture House on the £23 million revival of the Clair Hall site in Haywards Heath.
It’s an exciting opportunity to bring the long-closed site back into use, with a new cultural venue for cinema, live performance and community activities at its heart, alongside new homes, public space and improved connections to Clair Park.
The £4.9 million Council-owned cultural venue would be operated by The Digital Picture House. It would feature four auditoriums with cinema screens and an integrated stage for live performance, alongside a flexible community studio, and an all-day café and restaurant.
Together, the auditoriums and community spaces would accommodate up to 330 people, creating space for films, shows, talks, meetings, classes, and activities.
Under the current proposals, we would contribute £3.4 million towards the scheme, while the Council has made provision for up to £1.5 million from reserves to help unlock the cultural venue.
The wider plans also include a landscaped route between Perrymount Road and Clair Park, with improved surfacing, lighting and native planting.
Beyond the physical changes to the site, the scheme is expected to create apprenticeships and work placements during construction, as well as jobs once the new venue opens
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.”
Cllr Robert Eggleston
Leader of Mid Sussex District Council
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 Digital Picture House understand the importance of thinking for the long term and creating places that matter to their communities.”
Lee Bushell
Regional Managing Director for Wates Residential South
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.”
Kevin Markwick
The Digital Picture House
The plans are at an early stage and may change, with community engagement central to their development. 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 submitting a planning application.
A planning application is expected in mid-2027. Subject to planning permission and the necessary agreements, construction could begin in 2028 and finish by autumn 2029.
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