Future of Eastbourne's former Fort Fun site revealed following controversial council decision

It was confirmed in 2021 that Fort Fun in Royal Parade would not reopen after closing during the pandemic.

Following uncertainty surrounding its future, in December, 2022, Eastbourne Borough Council announced a joint refurbishment operation between Wingrove House and charity Defiant Sports to restore the site to a ‘magnet of family fun’.

Defiant Sports, a charity working to make the town more accessible for people with disabilities, had hoped to transfer its services to the former amusement park.

However, after months of refurbishment work, it was revealed on Friday (December 29) that Defiant Sports would no longer have any involvement in the site – a decision which was reportedly ‘out of [the charity’s] hands’ and ‘non-negotiable’, according to managing director Loretta Lock.

Mrs Lock took to social media to inform the charity’s supporters of the news, stating that after months of ‘delays, broken promises, jumping through hoops and agreeing to constantly changing council requirements’ they had been informed just before Christmas that ‘Eastbourne Borough Council have changed their mind and no longer wish Defiant Sports to have any involvement in the site’.

It is estimated that more than £75,000 of clearance work was achieved by volunteers and local businesses, according to Mrs Lock.

Now, the council has responded and laid out its plans for the future of the site.

Councillor Colin Swansborough, cabinet member for community spaces, said: “I greatly respect the role played by Defiant Sports and their commitment to facilitating greater sporting inclusivity in the town. The council’s strategic property board (SPB) met to consider the current situation at Fort Fun and assess the best options for a reopening in 2024. The SPB is made up of a cross-party group of councillors.

“Unfortunately, the site has been the target of vandalism and anti-social behaviour over the last year, and this has significantly hampered and delayed efforts to complete the necessary refurbishments.

“With a view to reopening Fort Fun in spring 2024, the SPB decided that Wingrove House is best placed to focus its resources on achieving this and terms for a five-year lease have been agreed with them.

“I understand why Defiant Sports is disappointed by this decision, but the board also reaffirmed its determination to assist them in achieving their objectives in 2024.”