A SHOPPING centre which has laid “largely empty” in a major UK town is set to get a staggering £65 million redevelopment.
The area has been beloved since the 1970s and is due to get a bowling alley and 172 flats.
BBCThe Martlets Shopping Centre has been ‘largely empty’ for years[/caption]
BBCResidents have called on the council to regenerate the struggling shopping centre[/caption]
Martlets Shopping CentreNew plans have revealed what the site could look like in the future[/caption]
Like many high street locations, the Martlets Shopping Centre in Burgess Hill has struggled over the years due to soaring rent and energy costs.
Plans to revive the struggling centre have been redrawn several times throughout the years, with proposals being put forward as early as 2006.
However, those proposals are set to take a step forward.
A planning committee is set to discuss the future of the revamp – which is billed to include extra shops, a cinema, a bowling alley, a gymnasium, a hotel and 172 flats.
Initially, permission was granted to revive the shopping centre in 2016.
At the time, the council said it was aiming to “revitalise the area socially, economically and visually”
That scheme proposed transforming the centre into 200,000 sq ft development with restaurants, a gym, 500 parking spaces and 142 flats.
Another version saw the Martlets Hall venue demolished in 2019, as developers eyed the site as a potential leisure destination.
Although plans for that development were approved in July 2021, work on the site didn’t go ahead.
Melanie Cuttriss, a local resident, told the BBC that a “fresher” shopping centre would be a big boost for the town.
She said: “It looks horrible around here, so empty.
“There no reason to come down this part anymore. A fresher looking centre with some new shops would be nice.”
Another resident named Terry Davies told the Beeb that the current site is “largely empty”.
He said: “The centre used to be full of shops but now it’s largely empty and really dirty looking.
“We’ve been waiting so long for the redevelopment but it never seems to get finished.”
The news comes after a popular UK seaside town unveiled its £7.2 million makeover.
West Green in Littlehampton has been given a brand new water play area, beach volleyball courts and a climbing wall for the community to enjoy.
Local retailers will also be setting up kiosks, near the water play area, which will serve refreshments.
Martin Lury, Leader of the Council and Chair of the Policy and Finance Committee, has said: “We’re really pleased to have created a space that reflects what local people told us they wanted, while also making Littlehampton’s seafront more inviting for visitors.
“It’s a place for everyone – families, young people, and older residents – to enjoy throughout the year.
“I’m proud of what’s been achieved and look forward to seeing the community making the most of The West Green.”
Martlets Shopping CentreThe development would add 172 flats to the centre[/caption]
AlamyMartlets has been the centre of the town since the 1970s[/caption]
AlamyHowever, there are few shops remaining inside the centre[/caption]
Martlets Shopping CentreA new gymnasium and cinema would be added in the new plans[/caption]
Martlets Shopping CentreA council committee is convening to discuss the proposal[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
