Official opening ceremony at Wealden Community Sports Hub celebrates ‘landmark’ £16.7 million investment

Wealden District Council (WDC) said the ceremony celebrated ‘a landmark £16.7 million investment in sport, physical activity and community wellbeing’.

WDC also said the event marked the latest milestone for the Hub, which is located on the A267 in Hailsham and opened to the public in August.

WDC said the Hub is already creating new ways for residents to take part in sport and get active.

The Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Andrew Blackman, cut the ribbon at the ceremony, which was attended by project partners, stakeholders and the teams behind delivering and operating the facility.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management, said: “The Hub is a major investment for the health and wellbeing of our communities. As a local authority, our role is to work with local people to understand their needs and turn that insight into investment that makes a lasting difference. We have also embraced the council’s objectives around sustainability and environment by planting trees and installing solar panels in the car park.

“The Hub reflects what residents, clubs and local groups told us they wanted. By bringing high-quality, accessible facilities together in one place, we are creating more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be active, connect with others and enjoy sport. Its official opening is a proud moment for our communities and for everyone who has worked together in partnership to bring this ambitious project to life.”

WDC said it funded the Hub with £13.2 million, as well as a £3.5 million grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.

During the ceremony there were speeches from: Trevor Scott, chief executive of Wealden District Council; Mark Coulson, chief executive of Leisure United; Councillor Rachel Millward, leader of Wealden District Council; Councillor Kelvin Williams; and the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex. They spoke about the ways engagement with residents, clubs and community groups helped shape the Hub and spoke about the partnership behind its delivery.

Guests were then taken on a tour of the sporting, leisure and community spaces and met representatives from the project.

Mark Coulson said: “We are delighted to be operating the Wealden Community Sports Hub and to welcome local clubs, groups and residents through its doors. Our focus is on making the facility welcoming, accessible, well used and rooted in the community so that the Hub delivers lasting opportunities for participation and wellbeing.”

Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country. Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.”

Leisure United manages and operates the Hub. WDC said this is the wholly owned charitable subsidiary of the National Football Trust.