Mid Sussex – where the sustainable community makes economic sense
Mid Sussex's Burgess Hill Growth Programme, incorporating the 20-minute neighbourhood concept, is leading the way in merging economic and sustainability strategies to create a genuine 21st century community.
But the all-encompassing scheme, which appears designed to meet post-pandemic needs with its diverse mix of housing, employment space, town centre regeneration, active travel, gigabit fibre and impressive infrastructure investment, is no recent innovation. It springs from a 15-year vision created with the local community to develop 'sustainable communities' and for Burgess Hill to become a fully sustainable 21st century town.
As 2022 sees the first infrastructure projects completed and the first new residents preparing to move into their new homes, the Growth Programme is setting new standards in modern neighbourhood living.
Speaking at Real Estate Live, Cllr Stephen Hillier, Mid Sussex District Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, said: "The concept of a sustainable community was baked into our strategies long before the pandemic pushed it up the agenda, encouraging a greater appreciation of the sense of community. Our strategy always understood the value of being able to live locally, connected within 20 minutes of most essential needs by walking or cycling, including employment opportunities, education, shopping, green space and leisure activities.
"However, this requires a diverse range of housing, including affordable, and access to good jobs, countryside and the digital connectivity which can reflect the technological advancement that is changing the way upcoming generations go about their lives.