Residents of Peacehaven have been left frustrated as the much-anticipated redevelopment of the Meridian Centre, which was set to include a new Morrisons supermarket, has yet to begin. Since February, the town has been without a local supermarket, forcing residents to travel to Newhaven or Brighton for grocery shopping, where direct public transport options are limited. The nearest larger stores remain inconveniently located for many.
Morrisons acquired the site from the Co-op earlier this year, with promises of a new town centre that would include retail units and a much-needed supermarket. However, months have passed, and no visible progress has been made at the site.
In response to concerns, a spokesperson for Morrisons told Sussex News Today, “The development has taken a number of years to come forward. Due to rising construction costs over that time and changes in market demand on the retail units proposed, we are working on a revised proposal that meets the demand and needs of our prospective customers and allows us to deliver a new viable town centre for Peacehaven.”
However, Morrisons did not address the issue of providing a free bus service to nearby stores, despite requests from the local council. The council had suggested that Morrisons run a temporary service to their stores in Seaford, Eastbourne, or Brighton while the Meridian Centre remains under development. No further comment was made by the company when asked about this.
Chris Ward MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven has said “I know how frustrated many people in Peacehaven are about the hold-ups and delays to the new Morrrisons store in the Meridian Centre.
I’ve raised this directly with Morrisons and will keep pushing this. There needs to be a clear timetable for delivery and for Morrisons to fulfil obligations in their approved planning proposal.”
The delay in construction has left Peacehaven residents feeling isolated, with many calling for a clearer timeline and immediate solutions to the lack of local shopping options. The continued absence of a supermarket is particularly challenging for those without access to a car, as the existing public transport services offer limited direct routes to nearby towns.
For further details on previous updates regarding the Meridian Centre, read more here.
