A dedicated response team has been established to coordinate support for Horsham town centre businesses and visitors affected by the temporary safety closure of Swan Walk Shopping Centre.
The group is being led by Horsham District Council and Your Horsham BID, with participation from Swan Walk, Crickmay Chartered Surveyors and Market Operators, Coden Events, Food Rocks South and representation from Horsham Town Council.
The team's immediate priorities are to help Swan Walk businesses continue trading through opportunities such as market stalls and partnership arrangements, while also maintaining footfall across the wider town centre by increased access signage and highlighting the many attractions, events, shops, restaurants and services Horsham continues to offer beyond Swan Walk.
Councillor Jonathan Taylor, Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Property and the Local Economy said: "Faced with these exceptional circumstances, I fully support the activation of this response team by the Council in partnership with Your Horsham BID, Swan Walk Shopping Centre and other key stakeholders.
"Given the current uncertainty around the duration of the closure, I believe this phased and proportionate approach to support planning is both sensible and responsible.
Our shared priority is to provide practical assistance wherever possible and appropriate.
"At this stage, speculation serves no useful purpose. Instead, I would encourage residents and visitors to continue supporting Horsham's businesses and their employees by visiting the town centre and spending locally. Together, we can help safeguard the vibrant town we all value and enjoy."
This response team will continue to meet regularly and adapt its support measures as the situation develops.