Clair Hall

Significance

Clair Hall was built as part of a 1971 civic complex, which included theatre provision and community facilities. It was always intended as a performance venue and has been used by community groups.

The venue is significant due to the lack of alternative provision within the area. There is a masterplan for the surrounding area, but it does not include replacement cultural provision. No alternative venues with comparable cultural provision have been identified in the area.

Why is this theatre at risk?

Clair Hall was added to the Theatres at Risk Register in 2022.

The theatre closed in March 2020 because of the Covid pandemic. In September 2020, Mid Sussex District Council cabinet voted to remove Clair Hall from the existing leisure contract and permanently close the theatre without consultation. Theatres Trust objected to this decision.

A report commissioned by Mid Sussex District Council indicated that the most viable way forward for the council was to work with a cultural partner and a developer to build a new venue at no direct cost to the council. This would involve the demolition of the existing building and a scheme of mixed-use development on the site with housing adjoining the new cultural venue.

This proposal was agreed in principle at a Cabinet meeting in September 2023, but it was agreed there would be an opportunity for alternative community proposals to be put forward and assessed. Unfortunately, the sole community proposal, from the group Save Clair Hall, to take on the operation of the theatre was not considered robust enough by the assessment panel.

In August 2024 the council confirmed its plans to go to market and invite proposals from developers and potential operators to create a mixed-use development for the site.

Theatre potential

While operational improvements would be required to create a viable business model for the building, Clair Hall was a functioning performance venue until the forced closure. Public consultation demonstrated strong public support for the return of the building to cultural use, with respondents highlighting a lack of provision for the arts in the area.

Current situation

In February 2026 the council voted to proceed with plans to develop the Clair Hall site. The development will include a multi-purpose facility with a focus on cinema. Theatres Trust has been working with the council to ensure that proposals include provision for live performance. It is recognised that this facility will have a lower capacity than the existing Clair Hall. As part of the plans being developed, theatre architects have been consulted in order to ensure the new development has appropriate facilities to support theatre and other live events alongside spaces for community usage.

The council has also committed to supporting organisations who used Clair Hall to find alternative sites in the area both in the interim and also, where appropriate, for the longer-term.

Theatres Trust will continue to engage with the council to ensure that the best facilities possible for performance use are provided in the new building. Clair Hall will remain on the Theatres at Risk Register while we continue these discussions.

 

Main image, Clair Hall by Colin Kenward.