Town Team Discusses Key Projects at Meeting

Local businesses, community groups and other key members came together for Hailsham Forward’s latest stakeholder group meeting, which was held at Diplocks Hall this morning [20 April].

The recent town centre shopfront improvements, support for Hailsham’s industrial parks and an update on the formation of the Partnership as a Community Interest Company (CIC) were just a few of the things discussed by the Hailsham Forward Town Team, which aims to bring together key local stakeholders including Hailsham Town Council to review the best ways to revitalise the town centre and surrounding urban environment.

Updates were provided on the expansion of the Hailsham Loyalty Card Scheme for shoppers and businesses, the Hailsham Community Forum which has also continued to grow with new members attending and the development of a Hailsham Food Festival event in the future, which will promote the wide range of eateries in the Hailsham area.

Also discussed was the Hailsham Street Market, of which Hailsham Forward members agreed to the transfer of responsibility and management to Hailsham Town Council, which will enable the Partnership to focus and build on other key town revitalisation projects.

At the stakeholder group meeting, members discussed Hailsham Forward’s application to become a Community Interest Company (CIC – a special type of limited company which exists to benefit the community), which has been successful.

This will help to create more potential funding opportunities for Hailsham Forward in the future and provide other financial benefits for the Partnership.

“By going down the Community Interest Company route, Hailsham Forward can now benefit from a higher profile and be eligible for additional funding for various projects which are in the interest of residents and local businesses,” said Deputy Town Clerk & Business Enterprise Manager, Mickey Caira.

“Hailsham Forward will continue to work hard for the Hailsham community, developing initiatives which will enhance the local economy and attract inward investment into the town.”

Town Mayor Councillor Nigel Coltman summed up the meeting: “My fellow Town Team members and I are delighted to be working closely with local councils, businesses and community groups on a range of projects for our town.”

“We’re very lucky to have these stakeholders on board, all of whom are prepared to work hard and give up their time to develop Hailsham Forward’s ideas and proposals further.”

Further information on Hailsham Forward’s town revitalisation plans can be found on their website: www.hailshamforward.co.uk.