Excitement as Storrington Leisure Centre set to open for the first time in a year

Storrington Leisure Centre is preparing to open its doors for the first time in more than a year.
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The popular centre shut when lockdown was first announced in March last year and now, following a takeover, its new owners are getting ready to welcome visitors once more.

Adur Community Leisure, who ran the centre, went into liquidation in August last year, Storrington Parish Council clerk Tracey Euesden said.

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She added: “The parish council owned the building so it obivously was handed back to us by the administrators with the intention of selling off the contents.

Storrington Leisure Centre. Alan Head (Parish Councillor),
Andrew Centre (Director), Phil Pickard (Chairman of Chanctonbury Community Leisure Ltd), Tracey Euesden (Parish Clerk) Pic S Robards SR2103301 SUS-210330-133044001Storrington Leisure Centre. Alan Head (Parish Councillor),
Andrew Centre (Director), Phil Pickard (Chairman of Chanctonbury Community Leisure Ltd), Tracey Euesden (Parish Clerk) Pic S Robards SR2103301 SUS-210330-133044001
Storrington Leisure Centre. Alan Head (Parish Councillor), Andrew Centre (Director), Phil Pickard (Chairman of Chanctonbury Community Leisure Ltd), Tracey Euesden (Parish Clerk) Pic S Robards SR2103301 SUS-210330-133044001

“The parish council was keen for the centre to continue – so we purchased the contents – and reached the agreement with the trustees to open it back up and run it.”

Andi Dunstan, director at Chanctonbury Community Leisure, said: “It will be fantastic to get back up and running and open up all the facilities for the community.

“This will be a brand new opening rather than a reopening.

“It’s an invaluable asset – a fantastic asset for this area.”

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The centre has a hall for various indoor sports – which hope to restart in May in line with Government rules – as well as a tennis court and health suite.

It was funded by parish councils in the area along with what Storrington Parish Council said was a ‘substantial donation’ from Tesla – an engineering firm in the village.

Andi said: “It’s fantastic to be able to give something to the community and to run it as a charitable trust.

“[We’re] very excited to welcome members back both previous members and new members.

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“Health and fitness is of primary importance. Knowing that we have got something here that caters for all ages and abilities I think is just fantastic ”

The centre will open on April 12 with a new team, back office and time table, he added.

The equipment and facilities were in good condition meaning the centre will be able to continue using them when it reopens, Andi said.

Andi said: “From April 12 we will be able to open the fitness suite [and] gym alongside the sports halls, for junior activities.

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“We will also be offering classes and exercise sessions online through our ground breaking Technogym Streaming service.

“This online portal allows you to access hundreds of professionally led fitness sessions, suitable for all ages and abilities, on demand, wherever and whenever you choose.

“The portal will also start to live stream our group exercise classes, when they return, meaning that you never need to miss your favourite class again.

“There’s been a lot to do but it’s been exciting.

“There’s been some changes within the site and it’s been refreshed.”

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