Mid Sussex District Council launched its inward investment campaign Opportunity Mid Sussex at REAL Estate Live UK in February.
White Label has been working with the local authority since 2019 to develop a place marketing initiative for Mid Sussex, which is leading the way in merging its economic and sustainability strategies to create a genuine 21st century community a part of its Burgess Hill Growth Programme.
Delegates at the recent Real Estate Live conference heard a panel of experts discuss how the Programme – which includes more than £1bn of investment and will deliver over 5,000 homes and 15,000 jobs – is turning the 20-minute neighbourhood concept into a reality, embedding transformational infrastructure from new schools and neighbourhood centres to sustainable travel and gigabit fibre digital connectivity.
Chaired by Simon Taylor, chair of the South East RTPI, the panel consisted of Cllr Stephen Hillier, Mid Sussex District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Sally Blomfield, Mid Sussex’s Divisional Leader for Planning and Economy, Graham Hyslop, Projects Director – South, Homes England and Chris Founds, Director, CJ Founds Associates.
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. 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.
“Here in Burgess Hill, the whole economy will be contributing to tackling climate change while simultaneously providing benefits for employers and employees, improving mental and physical health through active travel and easy access to countryside and leisure pursuits. And it is why we have merged our sustainable strategy with our economic strategy.”
You can find out more about Opportunity Mid Sussex here, (https://www.opportunitymidsussex.co.uk/)
