Hailsham Community Masterplan

When Grosvenor, an international organisation focused on equitable and sustainable land and property development, wanted to create a new, sustainable community to address housing needs in Wealden, we were challenged to help them develop the vision. The region is one of the most desirable areas to live in South-East England for people looking to relocate as they approach retirement, and besides addressing availability and affordability needs, Grosvenor wanted the vision to celebrate the nearby Cuckmere River and its surrounding communities.

With an integrated team of urban designers, planners, transport and water engineers, and heritage consultants, we holistically considered the environmental, mobility, and placemaking aspects of the proposals. We incorporated 20-minute neighbourhood principles in the masterplan, including local facilities, schools, and retail. We also focused on embedding community hubs, space for local makers and crafters, access to green and blue space, and homes designed to better accommodate work-from-home standards into the masterplan.

On the mobility side, we intrinsically linked design and sustainable travel, positioning active travel as the most convenient and attractive option and including benefits that could spread across the wider community. Our team liaised directly with the local bus operator to avoid typical cul-de-sac rerouting and instead included a mobility hub at the main gateway to the development. This hub serves as a catalyst for improved overall network services as well as a modal interchange for everything from shuttles to foot and cycle paths to electric bikes and scooters.

The proposed Hailsham neighbourhood, which includes a public wetland park running alongside the Cuckmere River, has the potential to create a new destination for East Sussex, contributing to both its economy and social vibrancy, now and well into the future.