The Picture House to operate Haywards Heath cinema and cultural development

Mid Sussex District Council has officially announced The Digital Picture House Limited as the operator for the new cultural development at the Clair Hall site in Haywards Heath.

The selection, confirmed on 17 February 2026, follows a procurement process that prioritised a community-focused cultural offer for the town. 

Development Highlights:-

The Digital Picture House, a family-owned operator founded in 1964 and currently led by Kevin Marwick, plans to deliver:-

• Four-Screen Luxury Cinema: A modern cinematic experience designed to be financially sustainable.
• Live Performance Space: One of the cinema screens will be equipped with a stage to host live performances, arts festivals, and live-screenings.
• Restaurant and Bar: A full-service hospitality offering to establish the venue as a social destination.
• Community Integration: A commitment to over 150 hours of live events annually, prioritising local recruitment and partnerships with charities and youth groups. 

Next Steps:-

With the operator secured, Mid Sussex District Council will now move forward with procuring a development partner to design and construct the mixed-use site. This wider redevelopment is expected to include residential units to help fund the new cultural facility. 

The decision follows the rejection of a community-led bid by the Haywards Heath Community CIC, which was deemed not financially viable by an independent technical panel.