Horsham District Council has announced a package of community infrastructure improvement projects which have been recommended to create a ‘Better Billingshurst’ backed by a £2.5million investment programme.
As part of the Council’s commitment to enhancing public realm improvements in the District, it will upgrade community facilities that serve the residents and businesses of Billingshurst via a new Community Fund and Investment Programme called ‘Better Billingshurst’.
The Council has agreed to allocate some £2.5 million improving Billingshurst’s village centre, sports grounds, recreation grounds and public buildings. This investment is made up of a £1 million contribution from the District Council and £1.5 million from developer contributions.
It has been recommended that the Better Billingshurst Infrastructure Development Fund is used to:
- Upgrade the Billingshurst Women’s Hall to improve accessibility and safety
- Provide the funding needed to apply to the Football Foundation to deliver a 3G pitch at Jubilee Fields
- Provide a new seating area at Station Road Community Gardens
- Deliver changing room upgrades for women and girls and make improvements to the pavilion at Jubilee Fields
- Provide a new clubhouse at Billingshurst Bowling Club.
It has also been recommended that available Section 106 Funds should be used to:
- Deliver drainage improvements at Jubilee Fields
- Provide a variety of new and improved facilities in parks and open spaces in Billingshurst including improved seating, new pathways, a pump track and sensory, natural and accessible play facilities for children.
- Develop a new children’s play area at Jubilee Fields.
To ensure the Programme reflects local priorities, the Council began discussions in autumn 2024 with a wide range of community groups including: Billingshurst Parish Council, Billingshurst Community Partnership, Billingshurst Sports and Recreation Association, local schools, Scout groups and churches. A further public consultation with the wider Billingshurst community then followed to ensure all local feedback was reflected in any final recommendations.
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure Cllr Ruth Fletcher said:
“As a council we have committed in our new Annual Plan for 2026/27 to deliver new infrastructure improvements for Billingshurst which will help create thriving communities and improve general wellbeing for residents.
I am delighted that after extensive consultation with local residents and community groups to ensure we are focusing our efforts where they are most needed, we have now reached this important milestone. This significant investment will make a real difference to many in Billingshurst."
The proposed improvements have been made possible in part by new homes development in Billingshurst over recent years.
For more information about the Billingshurst Community Fund and Investment Programme visit the Council website: