Chichester council invests £8 million in leisure facilities as part of new leisure contract
Chichester District Council has announced a major £8 million investment in its three leisure centres as part of a new 15 year leisure contract, which will begin on 1 May 2026.
The decision to award the contract was made at a special meeting of the council’s Cabinet on 20 January and has now been confirmed following the standard call‑in period.
Following a competitive procurement process, the council has awarded the contract to More Leisure Community Trust, who will operate and manage the leisure centres in Chichester, Southbourne and Midhurst.
The process focused on identifying a provider able to deliver high‑quality services, modernise facilities, improve energy efficiency, and expand opportunities that support health and wellbeing across the district.
As part of the new contract, More Leisure has committed to investing the £8 million in a comprehensive programme of improvements across all three leisure centres.
Significant investment is being made across Westgate Leisure Centre, in Chichester to transform the customer experience and expand the range of activities on offer. The centre will undergo a major reconfiguration to create a suite of new specialist studios, including dedicated spaces for spin, mind and body classes, toning, and reformer Pilates.
Members will also benefit from the installation of state‑of‑the‑art gym equipment, including an E‑GYM Smart Strength circuit that automatically adjusts to each user and provides personalised training plans through the More Leisure app. Additional improvements include a refreshed health suite with a new infra‑red sauna, fully refurbished toilets and changing areas, and the proposed installation of two new padel courts, subject to planning approval.
Families will see major enhancements too, with the creation of a large interactive water play area featuring a variety of sensory water elements such as spray hoops, splash wheels, water jets and themed squirts. New play features will also be introduced into the teaching pool to help build water confidence among younger swimmers. The café area will be redesigned to accommodate a new soft play zone, sensory room and toddler play village, creating a vibrant and inclusive social space for all ages.
Grange Community and Leisure Centre in Midhurst will also benefit from substantial upgrades, including the installation of a new mezzanine floor within the sports hall to create an expanded gym area equipped with E‑GYM technology. Two new studios will be developed to support reformer Pilates and mind and body activities, broadening the centre’s wellbeing offer. Outside, a small children’s play area with seating will provide an inviting space for families to enjoy.
At Bourne Leisure Centre in Southbourne, investment will focus on enhancing the fitness experience with new gym equipment, including E‑GYM and upgraded spin bikes, alongside a full refurbishment of the changing rooms to improve comfort and accessibility for all visitors.
A new community outreach programme, Wellness on Wheels, will be introduced in addition to the existing Active Communities Programme, which delivers sport and leisure activities in the community. This mobile service will visit targeted areas across the district, encouraging residents to improve their health and fitness and helping to reduce health inequalities.
Cllr John Cross, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Place at Chichester District Council said: “This investment marks a significant step forward for our district. We know how important high‑quality leisure facilities are for people’s health, wellbeing and sense of community. By securing this new contract, we’re not only protecting the services residents value, but enhancing them for the future. We are really pleased to work with More Leisure as our partner in delivering this vision.
“The introduction of initiatives like the ‘Wellness on Wheels’ programme shows a real commitment to our outreach work, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthier, more active life. We’re also really excited to see the upgraded facilities and activities – including the new padel courts, subject to planning permission – and we know the residents of our district will be too.”
Simon Lane, Serco Leisure’s Managing Director said: “We are delighted that Chichester District Council have placed their trust in Serco Leisure and More Leisure Community Trust to support delivery of their forward-thinking investment programme, which will see us modernise facilities, introduce cutting-edge sustainability measures, and bring new, innovative services directly to the community.”
Brian Taylor, Chair of More Leisure Community Trust added:“As a leisure trust, we’re very proud to have been chosen to operate these fantastic facilities, which offer such an exciting range of fitness, wellbeing and community‑focused amenities for local people.”
There is also a commitment to carbon reduction and sustainable travel through a £1.27 million programme of energy‑saving upgrades across the leisure sites. This includes the installation of solar PV panels, LED lighting, enhanced heating and ventilation systems, and improved plant insulation—measures expected to cut CO₂ emissions by around 25% across the three centres.
Supporting greener journeys, new electric vehicle charging points will also be introduced at Westgate Leisure Centre, alongside expanded cycle storage and repair facilities, encouraging residents to choose active and low‑carbon travel options.
Staff currently employed at the centres will transfer to the new provider under their existing terms and conditions, and More Leisure has also indicated its intention to increase staffing levels. All leisure memberships for the centres will also automatically transfer across to the new provider.
More Leisure Community Trust is an independent, not‑for‑profit organisation that partners with Serco Leisure Operating Ltd, who deliver services on its behalf through a Managing Agency Agreement.