Burgess Hill's High Street Decline: A Stark Portrait of UK Market Town Decay
Many British market towns are facing a profound crisis, with once-bustling high streets transforming into desolate landscapes of empty shops and fading community spirit. Burgess Hill in West Sussex stands as a poignant example of this troubling national trend.
A Town's Troubling Transformation
Nestled just north of the affluent coastal city of Brighton, Burgess Hill was once renowned for its thriving brick and tile-making industry and annual St. John's Sheep Fair. Today, however, visitors encounter a different reality. Journalist Adam Toms visited the town and was immediately struck by the visible decay.
"Shortly after arriving and paying for parking, I was confronted with a scene more reminiscent of The Last of Us than a typical English provincial town," Toms reported. A desolate patch of land, eerily reminiscent of Margaret Thatcher's infamous "walk in the wilderness," was flanked by vacant retail units with ghostly, empty interiors.
The Physical Evidence of Decline
The signs of struggle were everywhere:
- Windows boarded up after apparent vandalism by local youths
- Signs declaring "STORE CLOSING. EVERYTHING MUST GO" and "SALE 50%"
- Messages scrawled on doors by former staff who had moved elsewhere
- Rainwater leaking from pipes and metal fencing cordoning off dismal passageways
Retired revenue analyst Susan Truran, 68, typified the local response when she asked Toms if he was lost upon learning his identity as a journalist. Many residents expressed feeling embarrassed and disheartened, believing their hometown was being eclipsed by more prosperous areas like Horsham.
Glimmers of Hope Amid the Gloom
Despite the overwhelming evidence of decline, Burgess Hill retains some positive elements. The town maintains several operating shops along its actual high street and boasts an impressive Creative Community Hub. Run entirely by volunteers, this hub hosts skill-sharing activity sessions including sewing and pottery.
Volunteer Jo Homan offered perspective on the town's situation: "It's pretty much the same everywhere, isn't it? A lot of towns are like it." Her observation aligns with Toms' experiences visiting other struggling towns including Margate, Weston-super-Mare, and Aldershot.
Regeneration Plans and National Context
Developer New River is collaborating with Mid Sussex District Council on ambitious regeneration plans for Burgess Hill. Planning permission has been granted for:
- 50,000 square feet of fresh retail space
- A 21,000 square foot food store
- 172 new residences
- A 102-room hotel
Insurance firm employee Andrew Griffin, 56, highlighted the town's potential for growth, noting Burgess Hill is home to major employers like American Express.
The situation in Burgess Hill reflects broader national concerns. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently discussed Labour's Pride in Place programme, announcing that approximately 40 new areas across England will gain power to decide where up to £20 million is invested locally.
"It is the same story in towns across the country," Starmer stated. "Youth clubs that have been abandoned, shops boarded up and high streets decimated. We must reverse the devastating decline in our communities."
While Folkestone in Kent presents a more optimistic scenario with businessman Sir Roger De Haan's £100 million investment rejuvenating the area, Burgess Hill's current state serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing many UK market towns. The contrast between its historic prosperity and contemporary struggles paints a troubling picture of urban decay that demands urgent attention and meaningful regeneration efforts.
