Park Centre Burgess Hill

Park Centre Burgess Hill

Bringing people together, building a stronger today for tomorrow.

About Us

Park Centre is a welcoming Youth and Community Centre in the heart of Burgess Hill, run by the local charity Park Centre Burgess Hill CIO. We’re here to support people of all ages through youth clubs, mental health support, and inclusive events that bring the community together.

Our mission is simple: to create a space where everyone feels safe, valued, and connected. As a small charity, we rely on generous support to keep our doors open and our services running. 

Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected Burgess Hill.

Why are we Crowdfunding?

We’re raising funds to keep Park Centre thriving—and we need your help!

As a small, local charity, we rely on the generosity of our community to keep our doors open and our services running. Your donation, no matter the size, helps us provide a safe, welcoming space for young people, support mental health, and host events that bring everyone together.

By contributing to our crowdfunding campaign, you’re giving us the flexibility to use funds where they’re needed most—whether that’s improving our facilities, running costs, supporting staff, or launching new community projects.

Together, we can make a big difference in Burgess Hill. Thank you for being part of our journey.

Future of Park Centre?

We’re dreaming big for Park Centre—and with your support, we’re turning those dreams into action.

Our vision is to grow Park Centre into a fully inclusive, accessible, modern community space that meets the evolving needs of Burgess Hill. In the coming months and years, we plan to:

• Improve our facilities, including accessible spaces, a changing places toilet, updated equipment, a new lift, and a welcoming environment for all.
• Host community events that celebrate diversity, creativity, and togetherness.
• Be the home to diverse youth clubs, community services, and local groups, offering safe, engaging spaces for people of all ages to connect and thrive.

Every donation helps us take the next step. With unrestricted funding, we can stay flexible and responsive—ready to meet the needs of our community as they grow and change.

How can you help? 

There are so many ways to support Park Centre and help us grow as a vital part of the Burgess Hill community:

• Donate – Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference. Unrestricted donations help us stay flexible and meet the most urgent needs.
• Fundraise for Us – Host a coffee morning, run a sponsored event, or get creative! Every pound raised helps us reach more people.
• Spread the Word – Share our story with friends, family, and on social media. The more people who know about Park Centre, the stronger our community becomes.
• Volunteer Your Time – Whether it’s helping at events, supporting youth sessions, or lending a hand behind the scenes, we’d love to have you on board.
• Partner With Us – Are you a local business, school, or organisation? Let’s work together to make a bigger impact.

Together, we can make Park Centre a place where everyone feels they belong.

History of Park Centre

Park Centre, originally known as St John’s Institute, has been a cornerstone of the Burgess Hill community since 1872. It was built and generously gifted to the town by Emily Temple, a 19th-century artist and philanthropist, to serve as a space for recreation, learning, and connection.

The building was initially used for a variety of leisure and community activities. It was formally vested in the Charity Commission Scheme on 1st November and transferred to the St John’s Institute charity in 1929. In 1974, West Sussex County Council (WSCC) became the sole trustees of the building.

In February 2025, the building was officially transferred to Park Centre Burgess Hill CIO, a local charity formed to secure the centre’s future and continue its legacy. Today, we proudly carry forward Emily Temple’s vision—ensuring Park Centre remains a welcoming, inclusive space for generations to come.

Thank you 

From all of us at Park Centre—thank you.

Your support means the world to us. Whether you’ve donated, shared our campaign, volunteered your time, or simply cheered us on, you’re helping to build something truly special in Burgess Hill.

Thanks to you, we can continue to grow as a safe, welcoming space for young people, families, and the wider community. Every act of kindness brings us one step closer to a stronger, more connected future.

We couldn’t do it without you.