RESIDENTS, businesses and visitors are being invited to have their say on proposed improvements to Hailsham’s town centre before plans are submitted for approval later this summer.
Public consultation on proposals for improvements to Vicarage Field will begin on Monday, 20 July, with members of the public able to view the plans online or attend a drop-in event at Maybugs between 2pm and 5pm.
The project focuses on enhancing the public areas within Vicarage Field, which links Hailsham High Street with Vicarage Lane and provides access to shops, leisure facilities and surrounding car parks.
Rather than major redevelopment, the proposals centre on improving the overall appearance, accessibility and usability of the area while preserving the town centre’s existing character and heritage, according to the authority.
Planned improvements include upgraded paving and pedestrian routes, new seating areas, additional planting and landscaping, improved lighting, better accessibility and enhancements to public spaces and streetscape features.
Project organisers say the aim is to create a ‘more welcoming environment’ where people can shop, meet, relax and spend time, while supporting the long-term vitality of Hailsham town centre.
The plans are said to have been developed following technical assessments and specialist advice and seek to improve the quality of public spaces, make walking routes easier to navigate, enhance safety through better lighting, and provide more attractive places for people to stop and rest.
Residents attending the consultation will be encouraged to give their views on the overall appearance of the proposals, accessibility, seating and landscaping, and whether the improvements would enhance the experience of visiting Vicarage Field.
Those unable to attend the drop-in session will still be able to view the proposals online and submit their comments during the consultation period.
If planning permission is granted, further details on the delivery of the improvements will be announced at a later date.
The public drop-in event will take place on Monday, 20 July 2026, from 2pm to 5pm at the former Maybugs store in Vicarage Field.
