Littlehampton recreation ground will get £800,000 boost

Proposals to improve sports pitches and transform the existing pavilion, replacing the building with a sports hall, community hall and changing rooms, will be on display during the Town Show, on Saturday next week.

Paul Dendle, Arun District Council’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “Both of these exciting projects will really benefit the local community, and I’m pleased this event has been organised to let local residents know exactly what is proposed for their facilities.

“September 10 gives people a chance to influence how this new community facility might look by making comments about the designs.”

The plans will be on show, and architects will be available to talk about the proposals, which are being funded by the developers of the Windroos Nursery site, in Worthing Road, though a condition of planning permission, and by Arun and Littlehampton Town Council.

The works to improve football pitches involve levelling the eastern two-thirds of the site, and installing a new footpath around the eastern half of the recreation ground, to relieve pressure on the pitches, as well as landscaping.

Littlehampton mayor, Alan Gammon, said: “I welcome the improvements to Southfields football pitches, and particularly look forward to the public having the opportunity to see the design proposals for the new community centre and changing facility.

“These are long overdue and I would encourage as many people as possible to pop along to learn more.”

Work is expected to start on the pitches later this month, and will continue through October, though they will be fenced off for about 12 months to allow the new grass to establish.

A planning application for the pavilion project is expected to be submitted to Arun shortly.

The plans and architects will be available, as part of the Town Show, at Rosemead Open Space from noon-4.30pm.