More than 100 angry england/Peacehavenpeacehaven/”>Peacehaven locals took to the streets today (September 27), demanding Morrisons get moving on a much-needed new scotland/”>scotland/town-centre-scotland/”>Town Centretown centre supermarket. The protest kicked off at 10am outside the Meridian Centre, with Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven MP Chris Ward and town councillors joining the crowd.
March and Chanting for a Supermarket
The peaceful rally turned into a lively march, snaking down Roderick Avenue to South Coast Road before ending near the roundabout car park. Protesters loudly chanted, “What do we want? A supermarket! When do we want it? Now!” as frustration boiled over.
Town Left Without a Major Grocery Store
The demonstration follows months of simmering anger since the former Co-op supermarket shut its doors back in February. Now Peacehaven has no major food shop, forcing residents to travel all the way to newhaven-scotland/”>Newhaven or Brighton—tough journeys made worse by limited public transport.
Chris Ward slammed Morrisons, saying: “Residents have waited years for Morrisons to deliver on their promise. It’s time for action – either build the supermarket this town desperately needs or sell the site so others can.”
Morrisons’ Promise Stalls Amid Rising Costs
Morrisons won planning permission for the Meridian Centre redevelopment years ago. The plan included a new supermarket and updated Town CentreTown Centretown centre facilities. But the project has stalled, with the company blaming soaring construction costs and changing retail demands.
Back in October 2024, Morrisons told Sussex News they were working on a “revised proposal” that would be financially viable and more suited to local needs. But since then, there’s been no real progress, sparking fresh outrage.
Campaigners Vow to Keep Up Pressure
Campaigners insist today’s protest is just the first step in a renewed fight to hold Morrisons accountable. One marcher said, “We’ve been left high and dry for too long. Peacehaven needs a supermarket – it’s not a luxury, it’s essential.”
MP Chris Ward promised to keep pressing Morrisons for clear commitments but warned: “The community cannot wait indefinitely.”
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