Clair Hall, a former community venue with theatre provision in Haywards Heath, was closed by Mid Sussex District Council in 2020.
In March 2025, the cabinet supported a scheme for the venue to be demolished and replaced with a cinema, including a stage for live performances and a food and drink outlet.
It was then listed as an asset of community value in November 2025, meaning the council had to give community interest groups the opportunity to place a bid.
The Haywards Heath Community CIC submitted a bid for the building, with the intention of using it as a multi-use civic and cultural hub, backed by a £770,000 “gift from a local benefactor”.
Today, February 2, the council backed a proposal from an unnamed local cultural company to deliver a four-screen luxury cinema with a multi-use performance space equipped with professional sound and lighting and a full-service restaurant/bar.
The council is also seeking a development partner to deliver housing on part of the site.
Councillor Robert Eggleston, leader of Mid Sussex District Council, said the community bid “was not financially viable”.
Consultants told the council it will take £2.2 million over the next five years to bring the building up to scratch due to its condition.
Cllr Eggleston’s full statement reads: “I am confident we have made the right decision for the site, residents and the future of Haywards Heath.
“This delivers a sustainable venue and an excellent cultural offer — a place to meet, experience, work, and potentially live, for generations to come.
“The provider brings extensive networks and experience, offering more live performance space than originally specified and committing to over 150 hours of live events from artists that may not traditionally come to our area.
“We understand the disappointment of some community groups, but the ACV proposal was not financially viable. We also acknowledge concerns from the Scouts; the council has a long history of supporting the scouts and will continue to do so wherever possible.”
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