In response to the partial closure of Uckfield High Street, which has been necessary due to structural safety concerns and to keep the public safe at the former Maidens Head building (situated beyond Church Street) this page has been created to provide regular updates for residents, businesses and the wider community.
Uckfield High Street is open for business as usual and we remain committed to supporting trade, improving access and keeping you informed. We know this continues to affect business and we’re actively exploring solutions.
18 July 2025:
Progress continues at the Uckfield High Street site following further opening-up works on Monday this week and the latest multidisciplinary meeting held Tuesday, 15 July.
On the afternoon of the 16 July 2025 there was the third meeting of the Uckfield Town Council, ESCC, WDC and Uckfield Chamber of Commerce meeting.
WDC are hopeful that external specialist consultants will complete the structural design report in the coming days for the alternative scaffold design. The new design has now evolved to allow for a working platform on the external side, not just a ‘bird cage’ support internal/external to the building. That step is crucial, as it allows our retained contractors to move in and dismantle/erect the new scaffold in the next coming days – but certainly after the schools have broken up for Summer. This will be a major milestone for this project.
Once the new scaffold is up, our intention is to move forward in August with the removal of the façade tiles. This will be a very delicate operation, but a necessary one. It removes a potential hazard, reduces the structural load significantly, and will allow for a much more detailed inspection of the underlying structure. It may also turn out to be critical for the final design/solution, depending on what is revealed once the tiles are off.
After the tiles are removed and the facade exposed, the team will carry out another inspection. We expect their report to be ready by end of August. That report will form the basis for finalising a full specification for the remedial works, which can then be properly costed. At that point we will also need to sit down and work through all the legal and financial issues associated with the next stages.
The goal remains to ensure the front wall, once exposed, is repaired to a structurally adequate condition that allows the tiles to be securely reattached. It also includes repairs to the parapet back gutter, hoppers and downpipes.
The coming weeks are therefore critical. There is still uncertainty, but we are steadily moving towards clarity – and from there, resolution.
14 July 2025:
We’re on site today carrying out further internal investigations ahead of a full multidisciplinary site meeting scheduled for Tuesday 15 July 2025. We’re hopeful this will be the final meeting before we receive a complete and conclusive report detailing the works required to address the structural issues affecting the front elevation of the building.
In parallel, we’re expecting to receive the latest structural engineer’s proposal for a revised, slimmer “birdcage” scaffold design. This concept explores a mixed internal/external support solution, which if viable could potentially allow for the reopening of the High Street. To be clear, we’ve not yet reviewed the design, and there is still uncertainty as to whether it will meet all structural and safety requirements.
An update meeting with the Town Council and Chamber of Commerce is also scheduled for Wednesday 16 July 2025
23 June 2025:
Today, consultants and Wealden District Council officers are meeting on site to finalise a report on the necessary repair works. As part of this, a detailed inspection is being carried out at roof level using an elevated platform.
We want to reassure you that these works won’t cause any additional disruption to the High Street and will fit within the current partial closure. We’ll keep this page updated as soon as we have more information.
Additionally, starting today Hempstead Road will be temporarily closed at its junction with the High Street. The temporary traffic lights in the area will be adjusted to a 3-way operation on a trial basis. A clearly signed diversion route will be in place via Hempstead Rise and Grange Road.
This change is part of ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow along the High Street while the scaffold support remains in place. The new 3-way light system is designed to help keep traffic moving more smoothly through the High Street and Church Street, based on recent traffic surveys that studied vehicle queues and signal timing.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while these essential works continue.
4 June 2025:
Internal inspections have taken place and further external high level inspections are likely to take place over the next 2 weeks.
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
We’ve worked with partners to minimise disruption. A partial closure allows:
- Continued access to businesses at the top of the High Street
- Bus services to operate effectively
- Emergency services to retain important access routes
Wealden District Council will continue to:
- Provide updates on this page at least every two weeks even if there is no new activity to report. Additional updates will also be shared as they arise and communicated through our social media channels
- Liaise with local businesses, residents and the Parish Council as well as the Uckfield Chamber of Commerce
- Attend drop-ins and Chamber meetings when required to do so