Future of Littlehampton’s leisure provision set by Arun

A range of options for the future of the leisure facility will be explored by consultants to assess the benefits of refurbishing the current site or building a new one, cabinet members at Arun District Council agreed, on Monday.

Councillor Paul Dendle, who is responsible for leisure in the district, said: “This is a very important decision for the district and will help allay fears from residents that the correct decision won’t be made for the future of the centre – this is positive news.”

At a meeting, in the Arun Civic Centre, councillors also agreed to allocating cash to secure a new contract for leisure provision in the district when the Arun’s current contract with Inspire Leisure ends in 2016.

The cabinet agreed to spend up to £30,000 project managing the tender for the next potential contractor to deliver Arun’s leisure services for at least the next ten years. The new contract will seek a reduction in the current level of funding and investment in leisure facilities. Cllr Dendle added: “Although this sounds a lot of money, in relation to a contract worth about £8m over the term it is very important we get everything right for the future to make sure the community sees an improved leisure package.”