Burgess Hill Science Park in Line for Multi-Million-Pound Government Boost
The long-stalled Burgess Hill technology park has been selected to receive support from a new £700 million government investment scheme.
Government scheme to support development
The Burgess Hill science and technology park is among the sites selected for support under a new government funding programme designed to restart major commercial projects that have faced delays. The Strategic Sites Accelerator scheme, launched in November, will offer between six and ten nationally important developments across the UK access to loans, equity, grant funding and technical expertise.
The £700 million fund aims to attract up to £2 billion in private investment and help overcome common barriers to development, including planning delays, grid connection problems and difficulties securing finance.
Long-awaited project gains fresh momentum
The 90,000 square metre Burgess Hill site was first put forward in 2018 but has encountered ongoing challenges over the past six years. It was recently reconfirmed as a priority under the renewed Mid Sussex Growth Deal, an agreement between Mid Sussex District Council and West Sussex County Council.
When completed, the park is intended to attract high-tech employers and generate thousands of skilled jobs in the area.
Scheme targets major obstacles
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the programme would address systemic barriers affecting growth across the UK. He highlighted outdated infrastructure, inadequate access to finance and planning obstacles as key issues preventing investment and job creation in local communities.
"This programme will get the ball rolling for up to 10 of the UK's most important potential sites, attract billions in investment, unlock tens of thousands of good-quality jobs in the years ahead, and bring good growth to every postcode," he said.
Other projects in the pipeline
Alongside Burgess Hill, the government is exploring schemes in Sheffield and Glasgow. Applications from other regions, including Greater Manchester and the West Midlands, are also being considered. The application window for the fund remains open until 19 January next year.
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