A discount retailer has opened its new branch in Sussex following a complete refurbishment.

B&M has taken over the unit previously occupied by Wilko in Market Place Shopping Centre, Burgess Hill, and has created 100 jobs.

Customers can expect to find a variety of branded groceries including a range of food, drink and pet food. There will also be a selection of health and beauty products, homeware, electricals, DIY essentials, toys, games and gifts.

Staff members were asked to nominate two local charities they thought deserved some “VIP” treatment for the work they do for the community. They chose the team from Burgess Hill Creative Community and Burgess Hill Pantry charity to take centre stage and officially unveil the new B&M store this morning.

The Argus: The new B&M store in Burgess HillThe new B&M store in Burgess Hill (Image: B&M)

Burgess Hill Creative Community, which was established in 2020, aims to make arts and crafts an accessible, enjoyable and meaningful activity in a social environment for all.

It offers activities for everyone, including art group, computer tech, Friday craft club, pottery, weaving and sewing. It aims to alleviate loneliness and increase social interaction, so that users can build meaningful relationships whilst creating items they love and are proud of.

Burgess Hill Pantry was set up as part of the town council’s No Cupboard Empty project, which helps residents struggling on low incomes stretch their household budgets a little further. For a weekly membership for £5, residents can choose a selection of food to the value of £20, helping their budgets stretch further.

The Argus: The ribbon cuttingThe ribbon cutting (Image: B&M)

This includes fresh fruit and vegetables, store cupboard favourites, bread, and dairy products. This allows residents to save up to £21 per week on their household shopping.

Both charities will receive £250 worth of B&M vouchers.

The store also welcomed the mayor of Burgess Hill, Councillor Janice Henwood to attend and assist the charity with the opening of the store.

A B&M spokesman said: “It was really exciting to welcome customers through the doors; the feedback so far has been fantastic.

“A big thank you to the team at Burgess Hill Creative Community and Burgess Hill Pantry who helped us open the store; we hope that our donation can help them to continue to do the great work they do.”