Update on Uckfield High Street

Uckfield High Street is open for business as usual.

On Thursday 20 March 2025, reports of significant vertical cracks to the front of the building were investigated. Following inspection, the building was deemed structurally unsafe.

Due to its height and close position to the pavement with the risk of falling debris this presented a serious danger to both pedestrians and passing motorists.

To protect public safety:

• Scaffolding has been installed on the right-hand side of the building.
• The base of this scaffolding (known as a raking shore) extends beyond the footway
• A partial road closure is in place affecting the western side of the road and pavement

To safely manage traffic:

• Four-way temporary traffic lights have been introduced
• These are in operation at the junction of Church Street, High Street and Hempstead Road

This intervention has been implemented under emergency highways legislation, and in coordination with East Sussex Highways and other relevant authorities.

Wealden District Council are now entering the next stage of scaffold safety works on the frontage of the unsafe building on Uckfield High Street.

The current scaffold design is being modified to create a narrower arrangement that sits entirely within the pavement. This updated design includes both internal and external scaffolding and means there will no longer be a need to restrict vehicle access to the road.

Subject to final safety checks and weather conditions, work will begin on Tuesday 29 July and continue for up to three weeks. The timetable includes:

• Week 1 (from 29 July): Internal scaffold is erected and linked through the windows to the external structure
• Week 2 (from 4 August): Weights are repositioned, and scaffold elements can be removed from the carriageway
• Week 3 (from 11 August): Windows and tiles are carefully removed and stored for reinstatement later

Access to the building for ongoing structural inspections will be maintained, and the scaffold will remain sealed and weather-tight. Importantly, the new design will mean there is no need for a full road closure, and the next stage of works can take place inside the existing fencing.

If all goes to plan, we expect the High Street to fully reopen to traffic towards the end of the week beginning 4 August – most likely around 8 or 9 August.