Opening date for new community hub in Sidley, Bexhill revealed
An organisation behind an upcoming new community hub in Bexhill has announced its opening date.
It said the hub will open on Sunday, June 28 during the Summer Festival at Sidley Recreation Ground, in Canada Way.
A Heart of Sidley spokesperson said: “The opening marks an historic milestone for the area. As the culmination of a decade of hard work, fundraising, and community spirit, the uniquely accessible Sidley Hub represents a long-awaited home for residents - a vibrant space designed to foster connection, creativity, and support for generations to come.
“Sidley Hub will serve as a premier destination for sports and recreation, providing a dedicated base for local teams and promoting active lifestyles for all ages through its modern facilities.
“To honour this momentous occasion, Heart of Sidley is privileged to welcome the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO). In a spectacular, and exclusive, showcase of local talent and world-class artistry, the RPO will perform alongside children from our local schools, providing an unforgettable soundtrack to the day’s festivities.
“This year’s festival brings an exciting new addition to our traditional celebrations. While we have always offered, and will continue to provide, a wide array of free community stalls and family activities, we are thrilled to debut the Sidley Marketplace.
“For the first time, selling is permitted on-site, and we are actively inviting local entrepreneurs, artisans, and traders to showcase their wares and be part of this landmark event.”
Jay Carroll, chair of Heart of Sidley, said: “This festival is more than just a celebration; it’s a thank-you to the community that has stood by us throughout our journey.
“The opening of the Hub is the realisation of a long-held dream, and we want our local businesses and makers to be right at the heart of it in our new marketplace.”
The event runs from noon to 4pm.
Building work on the new £3.4 million community hub in Bexhill started in August 2025.
The Sidley Hub at Sidley Recreation Ground in Canada Way will provide sports changing facilities for the area, as well as a café, accessible toilets, off-street parking and spaces for hire by local groups for sport play and informal recreational use.
The old toilet block and changing rooms on the site were demolished earlier in August 2025 to make way for the building work to start.
Heart of Sidley’s fundraising campaign set up to get the community hub off the ground exceeded its initial target in November 2024.
More than £11,000 was raised through its ‘Buy a Brick’ campaign, in a bid to raise £10,000 towards furbishing the new hub.
Rother District Council's planners unanimously approved proposals to build the facility in Sidley in July 2024.