B&Q could open store in Burgess Hill

More than 100 jobs could be created if a B&Q DIY store and garden centre and a ‘Pets at Home’ store open off Jane Murray Way in Burgess Hill.

Both retailers are in discussion with Mid Sussex District Council to build two retail units on a parcel of land which, despite having planning permission for traditional employment uses since 1996 and being marketed for 11 years, has remained derelict.

The Honeywell office and distribution building mark the eastern boundary of the site and a Porsche garage and CAE building are to the north west.

The proposals are for two retail warehouses with car parking for 212 vehicles. Customer access would be off Jane Murray Way and servicing access from Charles Avenue.

B&Q would occupy a large warehouse of more than 51,800 square feet with a garden centre attached, whilst a smaller warehouse covering 8,500 square feet would be occupied by Pets at Home – the Uk’s leading specialist retailer of pets, pet food and pet-related products.

B&Q sells a large selection of DIY and gardening materials and would compete against the likes of Wilkinsons in the town centre, garden centres in Hassocks and Ditchling and Wickes on the Victoria Industrial Estate.

A planning and retail statement by RPS Planning and Development Ltd in support of a full planning application says: “B&Q trades centrally in the DIY market, appealing to all socio-demographic groups from DIY enthusiasts to small-scale builders.

“This is unlike Wickes, for example, who are positioned at the heavy end of the DIY market, appealing predominantly to tradesmen.”

RPS says B&Q would employ between 75 and 100 people on a full or part-time basis across a range of skills.

Pets at Home would employ about 15 people on full or part-time contracts.

Mid Sussex District Council has until June to consider the proposals which are likely to go to the district planning committee for consideration.

Source : Mid-Sussex Times
www.midsussextimes.co.uk/news/b-q-could-open-store-in-burgess-hill-1-3657023