Corsica Hall shock

A SHOCK decision to sell Corsica Hall has cast doubt on plans for a new swimming pool in Seaford.

For more than three years community group Seaford Wide has campaigned for the historic building to be revamped with a pool, conference facilities and accommodation for students on residential courses.

But Conservative-controlled East Sussex County Council, which owns the Grade II listed building, revealed this week it was 'surplus to requirements' and would be sold.

It is estimated the sale could gross the council up to 1.5 million.

Chairman of Seaford Wide Jon Freeman said the decision was a major blow to the group's plans. 'Seaford is a fast growing town. It has lot of young people and families who need facilities.

'Residential accommodation could be developed to run weekend art and geography courses along with a day centre, all of which would help provide reasons to keep the building and allow the community to use it facilities.'

Seaford Wide urged the council to give it a long-term lease so plans could go ahead, but to no avail. Cllr Freeman, who is also a LibDem county councillor for Seaford, added: 'The rug has been pulled out from under us.'

The only option left for the group was to form a partnership with a potential new owner, such as a hotel, language school, or youth hostel, which would still allow the community project to progress.

But any deal could prove expensive as the building would require major refurbishment.

Cllr Freeman added: 'The building has not been invested in over the years. It is a high risk strategy because of the maintenance of the building. It is very easy for the council to say it is no use because it has not been invested in.'

Seaford Wide secretary Jean Larter said years of hard work were now in jeopardy. 'Corsica Hall is part of Seaford's Heritage and it should be kept for the people of Seaford.

'The council has kept us waiting all this time and finally with a change of council leadership this is happening. We do feel very strongly that they are selling off our assets.'

A county council spokesman said Corsica Hall was significantly under used.

'Much of the facility is used for less than 30 per cent of available time. Around 100,000 has been spent over the last three years on essential maintenance work.'

But he added: 'Substantial investment would be required to bring Corsica Hall up to the standard of a modern training facility.'