New operator for hall redevelopment announced

A new operator for a redeveloped former events venue which will include a four-screen cinema has been announced.

Mid Sussex District Council said The Digital Picture House Limited, which owns other sites in East and West Sussex, will redevelop Clair Hall in Haywards Heath.

As well as a four-screen cinema, the site will also have a multi-use performance space, community facilities and a restaurant.

The selection was made by the council's cabinet following a "robust" process validated by an independent panel of experts, with the name of the successful bidder only being released after completion of a legal process.

Robert Eggleston, leader of Mid Sussex District Council, said: "The Digital Picture House Limited has an exceptional reputation and history for creating a destination that is accessible to all.

"We are confident that they will make a real success of the new offering at Clair Hall."

The Digital Picture House Limited, a family-owned cinema and restaurant operator, was established in 1964 by Mid-Sussex resident, Roy Marwick, and is now owned by his son, Kevin.

He said: "We are beyond delighted to be selected to be the operator of choice for Clair Hall.

"Our vision is to carry on our tradition of providing a community-friendly venue and restaurant that makes cultural experience accessible to all."

Mid Sussex District Council turned down a community bid to buy or lease Clair Hall at the start of February.

The venue has been under scrutiny since the council decided to close it in 2020 and consultants have told the council that it will take £2.2m over the next five years just to bring it up to scratch, the Local Democracy Reporting Service previously said.

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