Town Team Discusses Revitalisation Plans at AGM

Local businesses, community groups and other key members came together for the Hailsham Forward CIC Stakeholder Group’s Annual General Meeting, which was held at the James West Community Centre this morning [Friday 27 May].

This year’s town community events and support for local industrial parks were just a few of the items discussed by the ‘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.

At the meeting, which was attended by representatives from Hailsham Town Council, Wealden District Council, the Hailsham & District Chamber of Commerce, Hailsham Active and local resident associations, members reviewed the current Hailsham & Hellingly Business Plan, of which the original version was established in 2013, taking into account the results of the recent referendum undertaken as part of developing the Town Council’s Neighbourhood Plan.

The Hailsham & Hellingly Plan, which takes into account revitalisation in terms of building a culture of collaboration, zero tolerance on dilapidated buildings, the promotion of Hailsham’s markets, improvements to public transport infrastructure, industrial estates access and parking and the provision of low-cost start-up business units – among other considerations – was assessed and considered as part of future reviews of the Plan.

Also discussed was the recent expansion of the Town & Shopping Guide directory’s content with new businesses added, the Hailsham Loyalty (Card) Scheme and recent activities carried out by the Hailsham Community Groups Forum, which relaunched a few months ago post-lockdown to meet and enhance the range of services the individual member groups and collective forum provide.

The need to deliver improved sporting, leisure and youth facilities in the town was also considered, in addition to the re-establishing a ‘Keep Trade Local’ campaign to support local shops and businesses.

Deputy Town Clerk & Business Enterprise Manager Mickey Caira 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.”

Mr Caira added: “The Hailsham Forward Stakeholder Group and Executive Team will continue to meet on a regular basis to progress various projects, projects which make an important contribution to the improvement of the local economy – ultimately helping to revitalise the town centre and surrounding urban environment in the long term.”

“Additionally, we’ll continue to take on board the views of stakeholders while we work on these projects and keep the local community informed of any updates at all times.”

At the AGM, town and district councillor Gavin Blake-Coggins was elected to continue his role as Chairman of the Hailsham Forward Stakeholder Group, and Hellingly parish councillor Chris Jackets continues his role as Chairman of the Hailsham Forward Executive Team.

Further information on Hailsham Forward’s town revitalisation plans can be found on their website.