New community sports hall development is '˜on schedule'

The facility, located on the recent Welbury & Woodholm Farm development, will provide a venue for various sports activities and community events, as well as private function hire. The multi-use site is scheduled for completion in August.

The provision of a community hall and sports facility was made as part of the initial planning agreement between Hailsham Town Council and Welbury & Woodholm Farm developers, Taylor Wimpey.

Hailsham Town Council, which agreed to take on responsibility for the new facility once constructed, considered various proposals for the design of the building in 2013 and formally agreed a design plan which will allow the council to accommodate a wider variety of users and to provide improved facilities which meet the demands of the local sports clubs and community groups.

The new sports and community building will consist of an 18m x 10m hall, which will include space for a demountable stage and able to accommodate an audience of approximately 180 seats.

The building will also have meeting rooms, a kitchen, store rooms, office, toilets, combined indoor and outdoor changing rooms, foyer and plant room.

The grassed area outside the hall could accommodate a small football pitch and there will be a children’s play area and ball court on-site.

“We are in need of a new sports and community facility to cater for the increasing population locally, which has come about as a result of housing developments,” said Councillor Paul Soane, chairman of the Town Council’s Strategic Projects Committee.

“The new purpose-built centre will play a key role in enabling Hailsham to fulfil its potential as a vibrant and inclusive town and we hope that the centre will be a hub of community life, offering a broad range of activities - and services - that meet the requirements and interests of sports clubs, businesses, community groups and public sector organisations, as well as private hirers.”

Town Mayor Councillor Nigel Coltman added: “It’s important our residents are provided with the facilities they want and need and the town council is proud to be working with developers on this brilliant project.”

Call 841702 for details.

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