bradford & thomas llp and ecotects
Bibby’s Mill Business Park – Sustainable Commercial Redevelopment in Hailsham
Situated on Station Road Industrial Estate, 1km from Hailsham town centre, Bibby’s Mill Business Park is set for redevelopment, revitalising a previously vacant and overgrown site. Originally a brickworks in 1910 and later an animal feed mill in 1971, the site now has Outline Planning Permission for 2,658 sqm of flexible Class E(g) commercial units, catering to research, development, administrative offices, and light industrial uses.
Sustainability is integral to the design, featuring energy-efficient buildings with air source heat pumps, solar panels, and rainwater/greywater harvesting. Permeable surfaces will be used to manage stormwater by allowing natural drainage, reducing the strain on local infrastructure. The development also promotes sustainable transport, with footpaths and secure bicycle storage encouraging sustainable transport use.
Extensive ecological surveys and mitigation strategies have been incorporated, focusing on the protection and enhancement of local wildlife. A dedicated ecological mitigation area with native planting, bird and bat boxes, and the preservation of mature oak trees will foster biodiversity. A 30m exclusion zone will be established around the badger sett found on-site, ensuring minimal disruption. The landscaping will integrate with the Cuckoo Trail, a green corridor running along the western boundary, providing a natural buffer from nearby roads and noise pollution.
The two planned buildings will include smaller commercial units at the front of the site and a larger unit towards the rear, creating a balanced development that complements the surrounding industrial and green spaces.
This project represents an exciting opportunity to rejuvenate an unused brownfield site, balancing commercial development with environmental responsibility.
WHERE
Hailsham
East Sussex