New centre set to open in Bersted

The £1m-plus facility is 
due to be finished next month and handed over to Arun District Council.

The building is taking shape amid the site six housing scheme. It is being provided by developer, Berkeley Homes, as part of its planning approval for the development.

Joe Russell-Wells, Arun’s environmental services and emergency planning manager, said: “We expect the building will be available to the public from next month.

“We are looking to have an opening for the centre in the February half-term to give the public a chance to have a look round. It’s a fantastic building. It’s going to be a real asset for the community.”

The centre contains a main hall with two badminton courts marked, a stage with lighting and sound, three function rooms which can be used separately or as one for maximum flexibility, a bar, a kitchen and toilets.

It also has two changing rooms to serve the football pitches being created outside. This will have at least two adult pitches as well as a 
third which could be used for youth games.

An all-year cricket square, a skatepark, a multi-use games area and a small play area complete the attractions.

The legal deals to transfer the building to the council and for Inspire Leisure to run it on Arun’s behalf are set to be finalised soon.