News and events

Mid Sussex District Council and West Sussex County Council have renewed their Mid Sussex Growth Deal for a further five years, aimed at driving economic growth, attracting investment, supporting local jobs and encouraging innovation across the district from 2025 to 2030. 

This new Deal builds on the success of the previous Growth Deal, which helped secure more than £67 million in public sector funding and approximately £330 million of private sector funding for major projects. Together with partners, the 2018 – 2023 Growth Deal delivered significant improvements across the district including upgrades to the A2300 and local wastewater treatment works, the development of the Green Circle and wider pedestrian and cycling network, a new library for Burgess Hill Library, and the creation of The Arc Centre for Outdoor Sport. 

The new Growth Deal for 2025 – 2030 focuses on attracting more investment to deliver projects across the district to improve residents' quality of life, support sustainable growth, and strengthen the local economy to build vibrant, resilient communities. 

The Deal prioritises: 

• The Martlets Shopping Centre in Burgess Hill  
• New infrastructure and community facilities at Brookleigh  
• Delivery of a Science and Technology Park  
• Delivery of the East Grinstead Town Centre Improvement Plan  
• Sustainable transport and connectivity across the district 

The Growth Deal supports both Councils shared commitment to tackle climate change by promoting sustainable economic growth, boosting green innovation and supporting the transition to net-zero. With significant development planned across the district, the Deal aims to integrate transport networks, improve access to walking and cycling routes, and support cleaner travel by promoting electric vehicle charging infrastructure. 

Leader of Mid Sussex District Council Cllr Robert Eggleston said: 

"The renewed Growth Deal is about investing in the future of Mid Sussex and ensuring our communities continue to thrive. By working closely with West Sussex County Council and our partners, we can support local businesses, improve connectivity, and deliver the infrastructure and community facilities needed to create vibrant places that benefit residents now and in the future.” 

Cllr Yvonne Gravely, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills at West Sussex County Council, said:  

"Building on the success of the previous Growth Deal, this renewed partnership will help secure investment, deliver vital infrastructure and support businesses to grow and innovate. It is a clear commitment to creating opportunities, supporting skills development and generating lasting benefits for residents and communities across Mid Sussex. Projects such as the Science and Technology Park in Burgess Hill have the potential to create thousands of new jobs while helping local people develop valuable science and technology skills." 

The Growth Deal will guide joint working between the councils, helping to unlock opportunities for sustainable growth while supporting long-term benefits for residents and businesses across Mid Sussex. 

ENDS 

Local producers and businesses from Mid Sussex are celebrated in the newly launched Sussex Honey Guide, which showcases honey, bee-related products, and unique visitor experiences from across the county. 

Commissioned by Mid Sussex District Council and Horsham District Council, the illustrated guide celebrates local producers and encourages residents and visitors to discover Sussex's vibrant honey industry.  

The guide features a range of Sussex honey and bee-product producers, visitor experiences and activities, including 'meet the bees' days and beekeeping visits. A map highlights farm shops, cafés and attractions where people can find locally produced honey, mead, cosmetics and other bee-related products, and a Producers Directory helps residents and visitors discover the wide range of local businesses, from Michelin-starred restaurants and beekeepers to honey producers and bee-related experiences. 

The Sussex Honey Guide features a variety of businesses from Mid Sussex, including: 

Hiver Honey (Albourne Estate) 

• Borde Hill  
• Gravetye Manor 
• Wakehurst  
• Happy Honey Home (Nymans) 
• Standen House  
• Plaw Hatch Farm Shop 
• Market Place Shopping Centre  
• The Sussex Bee 
• The Sussex Beekeeper 

 To educate and inspire the next generation, the guide features a complementary family activity pack, full of fun facts, jokes, colouring pages, puzzles and activities to help children learn more about bees, honey, and the important role pollinators play in our environment. 

 Cllr Ian Gibson, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy and Housing said: “This guide is a welcome addition that highlights just some of the unique visitor experiences and local businesses we have in Mid Sussex. 

 We’re proud to see so many of our fantastic producers featured in the Sussex Honey Guide. This guide is all about celebrating the businesses that help make our district such a great place to live, work and visit.” 

Designed by local creatives Whistlestop Arts, the Sussex Honey Guide and accompanying family activity pack can be downloaded for free on the Whistlestop Arts website: https://www.whistlestoparts.org/sussexhoney   

Printed guides and activity packs will also be available to pick up at Mid Sussex District Council, Oaklands Rd, Haywards Heath RH16 1SS and at the Council’s Play Day events throughout the summer. 

ENDS 

Please be aware that Ardingly Road, Hanlye Lane, and surrounding local roads may experience increased traffic and temporary disruption due to events taking place at Borde Hill.

🗓 Dates: 13 - 16 August 🕘 Times: 9:00pm - 3:00am

We appreciate your patience and understanding while these events are underway. Please allow extra time for journeys if travelling in the area.

events coming soon..

To stay updated on the latest news and events in Cuckfield, you can read our monthly newsletter at: Cuckfield Parish Council August Newsletter