Historic Pub - with SFH connection - finally closes ( Sep 2003)

According to the Middy,new plans for a £4M development on the site of the Sussex pub in Haywards Heath have killed hopes of saving the historic boozer.
St Francis Hospital - apart from the Sussex' regulars - shares a bit of history with the pub which has been a Haywards Heath landmark for 143 years. Previously known as the Volunteer, the pub was built in 1860 when the town was in a state of growth after the construction of the railway and the Lunatic Asylum.
If the Sussex is demolished it will be the second Victorian pub to be demolished in Mid Sussex since the millenium.
Some say it should be preserved because of its historical connections with the town, others that it's time the dirty little corner should be cleaned up with a new development especially as it is one of the main gateways to the town.
The new plans for the site, still to be finally passed, are for a block of flats.JH.

September 2003

The Sussex has finally called time after 143 years of service.Local drinkers harboured hopes of keeping the pub alive whilst other residents awaited the clearing of 'this eyesore'. Festivities occurred over the Bank Holiday weekend celebrating the years enjoyed at the pub with regulars expecting a sad time.

There's to be a four storey building on the site witha restaurant and three shop units and 21 two bedroomed flats covering the whole of the pub building, beer garden and car park.

The Sussex has been a Haywards Heath landmark for 143 years. Previously known as the Volunteer the pub was built in 1860 when the town was in a state of growth after the construction of the railway and the Lunatic Asylum.JH
(Courtesy of the Middy)