The Orchards Shopping Centre aims to be the true heart of Haywards Heath, in four crucial ways: community, sustainability, vitality and ability. 

The Orchards commercialisation space has proved to be an extremely effective destination to promote, market and sell products and services.  The Centre has assisted in launching several start-up businesses, playing a vital role in the community in providing this essential platform.   

The market has grown organically with many of the market traders leasing mall space for over ten years, all of which consistently trade successfully.

Discounted rates are available to local businesses.

For further information, please see the Contact Us section.

It is the aim of the Centre Management Team to provide a clean, welcoming, and vibrant environment for all shoppers and visitors.

The Centre Manager has over 25 years of experience is retail and shopping centre management.  She also holds the Diploma in Shopping Centre Management and has won numerous awards for service.  Whilst the role is very diverse, customer service, events, entertainment and ensuring the Orchards remains a significant retail destination are at the heart of her priorities.

The Orchards employs a highly experienced senior security officer whose sole purpose is to provide a safe and secure working and shopping environment for all.  He holds several licenses and is a qualified duty manager.

The Caretaker’s sole purpose is providing a pleasing, clean, well-maintained environment, as well as exceptional customer service.  He has been in position for over three years and is well known by the local community.

Throughout busier periods, security and caretaking are increased.

The Orchards is the only shopping centre serving Haywards Heath and gives back to the community in various ways.

Bringing the community together and showcasing the exceptional local talent is vital to the success of the Centre, town, local villages and community.  The Orchards provides a platform for local schools, dance troops, bands, singers and special interest groups, with the overall aim to make a difference to the future generations.

Within the last ten years, the Orchards has held at least three major events every year.  These include: 

Outside of the major events, for several Saturdays throughout the summer months, dance troops and orchestras perform.  For special anniversaries, such as Mother’s Day and Easter, workshops and entertainment are brought in, which have grown in popularity every year.

All events are free of charge.

Fundraising and raising awareness of local charities is at the heart of the event calendar.  It has proved to be a great day out with full itineraries of entertainment, workshops and lots of games for families to enjoy.  The charities the Centre has fundraised for include:

Thanks to the incredible performers, the events are a great opportunity for friends to meet and a place to meet new friends.  

A few comments received over the years:

“We have moved here from Essex and every time we come in, there is something happening”

“Thanks to this event, I’m now volunteering for the Air Ambulance”

“Joining Dance Central has helped me make new friends and combat anxiety & loneliness, because of the effects of Covid”

The Rotary Club for Haywards Heath, Lindfield and Cuckfield support over 40 charities, the majority of which are located within the town and villages.  They’ve become a critical partner for the Orchards and together, have teamed up to hold a new annual event, Rotary Rocks.  This day raises awareness and much needed funds for their charities.  

The Orchards sponsors and supports events within the local community.  The criteria of which must be:

Examples of Sponsorships where these points can be achieved:

Charities and special interest groups also rely on the Orchards for sponsorship.  It is imperative they are supported so these vital groups can continue to help others.  Examples of these are:

The Orchards employs locally wherever possible, however due to the wide range of services required, occasionally specialised contractors are needed.

The impact the Centre has on the community must be minimal.  For over ten years the Orchards has been contracted to The Recycling Partnership.  Retailers separate general waste, glass, cardboard and mixed recycling and the Centre’s staff ensure they are disposed of correctly.

The Recycling Partnership are the preferred contractors as they are a “Zero Waste to Landfill Company”.

To find out more, please follow the link below.

There is a zero-tolerance policy in place for shoplifting, anti-social behaviour and all criminal activity.  The Centre’s staff work closely with the ASB Team at Mid Sussex District Council, the police and schools.

Every incident is swiftly reported and the staff have direct links to senior police officials.

For further information, please follow this link: