The Gazette understands plans to extend the Quintins Centre, which were first suggested more than 10 years ago, are back on the table.

It is thought the scheme would see an extension built to the rear of the shopping centre, over part of the existing car park which would be moved underground.

Councillors believe this could create around 2,000 square metres of extra retail space - enough to attract national retail chains and end the tug-of-war with supermarkets which are targeting out-of-town sites.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council's pension fund, which owns the Quintins, confirmed to the Gazette talks had taken place about a possible expansion but said they were 'at a very early stage'.

He added, "The pension fund keeps all its property investments under constant review, as was evidenced by the refurbishment carried out following the acquisition of the centre.

"The council and its agents are considering various options for the property against the background of general developments within the town.
"Discussions are at a very early stage and no decisions have been taken as yet."

Mayor Ian Haffenden said expanding the Quintins could revitalise the town centre and prove more attractive to Hailsham residents who currently do their shopping in Eastbourne.

He said, "Most of the shops have insufficient floor space for the larger retailers. Expanding the Quintins offers that larger space.
"We are very limited in certain areas at the moment - we could do with more general clothes and shoe shops in Hailsham, particularly for women.

"With Tesco coming into the town, more people will be doing their shopping in Hailsham. If we can attract those people into the town centre it will bring a boost to all the independent shops as well.

"It's the right kind of development for the town. It would enable larger shops to come in to Hailsham and would change the face of North Street, which is rather bland on that side of the road."

The Quintins Centre was opened in the late 1980s and the idea of enlarging it was first mooted in the mid-1990s.

Planning permission was granted and national retailers such as Next and Iceland were believed to be interested in coming to the Quintins.

But the scheme collapsed after the developer and Wealden District Council failed to reach an agreement over the financial terms.
The centre was bought in 2003 by Derbyshire County Council's pension fund, which now seems keen to expand it.