FAQs

The vision is to create a place where residents and visitors alike are encouraged to visit as a destination and to spend time, thus helping to achieve sustainable economic growth in Haywards Heath.

To fully realise the potential of Hayward’s Heath to be the ‘Heart of Mid Sussex’ we have identified a number of objectives along with suggestions to help us achieve these, namely:

•             To create a strong sense of place and improve the legibility and identity of South Road – by utilising gateways, wayfinding and public art to define the places clearly.

•             To improve the quality of the street character and public spaces – by utilising consistent colours/materials for street furniture, seating and consolidating signage.

•             To protect, integrate and enhance the town’s significant green spaces whilst also improving connections with Victoria Park – by planting soft landscaping and improving entrances and boundaries to Victoria Park.

•             To provide opportunities for sustainable travel so that walking and cycling are attractive and viable options – by prioritising pedestrian and cycle traffic (reducing width of carriageway; reducing vehicle speed limits; widening footway; restricting delivery times etc.)

•             To develop and ensure sustainable and future-proof designs which will minimise impact on climate change – by installing electrical charge points for EVs; providing easy access, live updates for public transport; installing secure bike stands; sourcing local content etc.

The improvements will provide an uplift to the current street, encouraging larger footfalls, creating a better shopping experience for all.  It is also part of a programme of works to regenerate the Town Centre area in alignment with the Haywards Heath Town Centre Master Plan (Supplementary Planning Document, October 2020)

Material options have been chosen for their longevity and intrinsic placemaking characteristics within the current street scene.

Improving accessibility is one of the key elements of this scheme. The following measures will all help to improve accessibility:

• Widening the footway
• Ensuring adequate crossing points throughout
• Encouraging lower speeds 
• Reducing traffic 
• Decluttering the streetscape 

There will be some amendment on South Road with the conversion to inset parking and loading provision, with minimal reduction.  

Vehicle access is being maintained but the narrower street will encourage lower speeds and this should discourage the constant flow of through-traffic.

The existing trees in the planters will be removed and will be replaced by in-ground trees which will  provide visual interest and carbon catchment for generations to come.

Some street furniture is already in place. Our aim is to replace these, creating a consistent look and introduce more benches, cycle racks and bins to further enhance the street scene.

Updates will be provided through the WSCC and Mid Sussex District Council Websites.