Burgess Hill library demolition set to start

The demolition of a redundant former library building in Burgess Hill is set to start next month.
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It comes after Mid Sussex District Council approved plans for NewRiver’s £65million regeneration of Burgess Hill town centre.

The former library demolition project includes work to reinstate a hard surface across the entirety of the site, including the area previously covered by Martlets Hall, to ensure the area is safe, clean, and ready to be brought back into public use.

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Site preparation work is expected to start in October 2020, with the whole demolition project expected to take around six weeks to complete, the council said.

The old library building in Burgess HillThe old library building in Burgess Hill
The old library building in Burgess Hill

Work will be carefully managed to keep any disruption to a minimum and every precaution will be taken to reduce dust and debris.

A spokesman for the district council said: “Burgess Hill library relocated to a new unit within the town centre in December 2019.

“The former library building is now vacant, and the council’s cabinet met on Monday this week to approve the demolition and appoint a contractor to carry out the work.

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“Demolition of the former library building will allow NewRiver REIT to progress its plans for a mix of new leisure attractions, community facilities, retail units and restaurants in the heart of Burgess Hill.”

A revised planning application for new flats, shops, a gym, bowling alley, a ten-screen cinema and Travelodge hotel was approved by the district council on September 3.

The redevelopment of the site has been dragging on since 2016, when applicant NewRiver was originally given permission for a £65m project.

This latest application included a number of significant changes – and not everyone was happy with what was being offered.

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The council received letters raising concerns about the height of the flats and their impact on nearby St John’s Church – a Grade II* listed building.

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