Opposition grows over Burgess Hill Beehive project

Residents express concerns over whether the new project is worth the investment while other local needs go underfunded.

Plans to build The Beehive, a proposed community and entertainment centre, in Burgess Hill has faced increasing opposition from residents over the large costs with concerns raised over the priorities of the Burgess Hill Town Council.

The Council clarified that they: “Have not committed to agreeing to the completion of the whole project.” Some residents such as Kieran James, have criticised the council for already spending over £200,000 on plans for The Beehive which were later scrapped. He said: “That's £200,000 that we know we aren't getting back.”

The Council insists that: “There has been a great deal of public consultation going back many years.” However, James believes that more public consultation should've taken place as he said: “There will never be a full turn out for a vote, but the turnout was only 8%.” Raising questions over whether the project really serves the interests of Burgess Hill residents.

Some locals believe that money would be better spent on more pressing issues such as the burial ground in Burgess Hill which has been estimated to have only two more years of usage, as well as advertising the town and its events to get more people to visit, therefore promoting the local economy.

The Council has still not made a full commitment to this project paired with local residents’ scrutiny which means the project's future remains uncertain.

Bibliography:

Holden, J. (2025). Interview with Julie Holden member of Burgess Hill Town Council. Interviewed by Sydney Garrick, 7 March.

James, K. (2025). Interview with Kieran James. Interviewed by Sydney Garrick, 20 March.