The three major public partners in the potential redevelopment of Uckfield town centre are strengthening their ties in order to deliver a range of exciting improvements, writes the Uckfield Steering Group, part of the Wealden Council initiated Streets Ahead project
Steering Group partners Uckfield Town Council, East Sussex County Council and Wealden District Council are proposing to form a Joint Committee with delegated powers to ensure progress without any unnecessary delays.
The Joint Committee will oversee the project, utilising the land owned by the councils for the improvements and carrying out the procurement exercise necessary to identify a development partner.
‘’This is a great step forward for the partners, for the project and for Uckfield’’ said Councillor Mick Harker, Chairman of the current Town Centre Steering Group.
‘’It will enable us to maintain the momentum of delivering a redeveloped Town Centre in line with the Masterplan.”
“The Uckfield Masterplan has given us a clear indication of how local people wish to see the town centre improved,” said Councillor Roy Galley. “Through the Joint Committee, we can start the whole process of delivering the plan, which will provide an important economic boost to the town and the surrounding area.”
“The Joint Committee is the perfect example of local authorities working together for the good of a community. Strengthening our ties will enable us to deliver improvements that the people of Uckfield have told us they want and need” said Councillor Rupert Simmons.
“Highways work already planned for the town centre over the next 18 months and the redevelopment of the town centre will help us deliver the Masterplan and stimulate much-needed growth in Uckfield.”
Over the coming month, the individual public sector partners will be seeking approval from their councils to set up the Joint Committee. The aim is for the first meeting of the new Uckfield Town Centre Regeneration Joint Committee to be in June.
