Town Council Supports Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Points at HMI Club

Plans to install new electric vehicle (EV) charging points at the HMI Club in Western Road have moved forward following agreement by Hailsham Town Council’s Assets Management Committee to contribute towards the installation costs.

The decision follows a review undertaken by the Town Council to explore opportunities for providing EV charging facilities at sites within its property portfolio. As part of this investigation, Council-owned assets were assessed to determine whether suitable locations were available that would meet the requirement for charging points to be publicly accessible.

Following the review, the HMI Club was identified as a first, initial and viable location within the Town Council’s estate where EV charging infrastructure could realistically be installed and accessed by the public. The Town Council will investigate other potential/suitable locations for charging points in the future.

The HMI Club was subsequently approached regarding the proposal and has confirmed its support for the initiative. The Club has also agreed to share the installation costs equally with the Town Council for the provision of two electric vehicle charging points at the site.

The project forms part of wider efforts to improve local infrastructure that supports the growing number of electric vehicles on the road, while also helping to provide convenient charging facilities for residents and visitors to the town. The introduction of EV charging points in the town was also a key policy outlined in the recently updated Hailsham Neighbourhood (Development) Plan.

Cllr Mary Laxton, Chair of the Town Council’s Assets Management Committee, welcomed the development: “The committee has been keen to explore opportunities for providing electric vehicle charging facilities on Town Council-owned land where possible,” she said. “Following a thorough review of our sites, the HMI Club was identified as a suitable location that met the necessary criteria, particularly in terms of public accessibility.”

“We are very pleased that the HMI Club has responded positively to the proposal and has agreed to work with us on this project. By sharing the installation costs, we can help deliver a practical facility that will benefit both the local community and visitors to the town.”

Tony Lee, Operations and Facilities Manager at Hailsham Town Council, said the project represents a positive step towards improving local infrastructure: “As more people switch to electric vehicles, the demand for convenient and reliable charging facilities continues to grow,” he said. “Working in partnership with the HMI Club will allow us to provide two publicly accessible charging points in a central location, helping to support drivers while making practical use of one of the suitable sites available within the Council’s property portfolio.”

Further details regarding the installation and timescale for the project will be confirmed once arrangements with contractors and suppliers have been finalised.