THE long-awaited Aspires project for Hailsham will be back in the limelight next week as councillors will discuss a new medical centre as part of the plans.
The centre, which will be located within the town centre area, will accommodate the Hailsham Medical Group, East Sussex Healthcare Trust, and Bridgeside Surgery.
Wealden District Council has been working with the Sussex Integrated Care Board to bring the plan forward.
The new centre is expected to be delivered as the council draws the Hailsham Aspires project to an end due to a lack of government Levelling Up funding, rising construction costs and high interest rates.
Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management, said, “The council has long held the aspiration to deliver improvements to the town centre in Hailsham. Unfortunately, external economic factors and lack of available funding have forced us to reconsider what can realistically be achieved in the town with the finances available.
“We are committed to facilitating the delivery of a new medical centre for the town for which there is a clear demonstrable and unmet need.
“There also remains a strong commitment to enhancing leisure facilities and revitalising the town centre. While this initiative is no longer included in the master plan, progress continues through the commissioning of a leisure review and improvements on Vicarage Lane.
“Work is also underway to bring in a partner to the ground floor of the council’s offices in Vicarage Lane, further supporting the local economy.”
At a meeting of Wealden council’s Cabinet Committee next Wednesday 13 March, councillors are expected to formally bring the Hailsham Aspires project to a conclusion and reaffirm their commitment to delivering a new medical centre for Hailsham.
