VOTE: Second thoughts on Littlehampton swim centre’s move

One move that seems less likely now is switching Littlehampton Swimming and Sports Centre (LSSC) from its seafront site to the town centre St Martin’s car park.

Consultants Colliers International, who were commissioned by Arun to be “bold and imaginative” in drawing up a leisure strategy for the next 16 years, initially viewed the LSSC relocation as a major feature – the sale of the site for housing development could raise up to £14m, with just half that needed to provide replacement facilities.

David Geddes, principal associate at Colliers, told Arun’s cabinet last week that the current location was not the best for a leisure centre.

“There is no doubt at all that that site is very valuable for residential development. Understandably, people will have concerns. Nevertheless, it can realise resources forwards for doing other things.”

However, it was now considered that a swimming centre on the St Martin’s car park would take up too much space and would jeopardise Littlehampton’s opportunity to provide more town centre retailing space on the site.

Building a swimming pool to share with The Littlehampton Academy was another possibility, he said.

“There is no doubt at all that your two main swimming facilities are at present past their best. They are used because they are convenient, not because people see them as being good quality or value for money,” said Mr Geddes, referring also to the Arun Leisure Centre at Felpham.

Both centres’ futures will be among the issues looked into by Colliers after the cabinet agreed to spend £20,000 on further work leading to the production of a delivery programme for delivering the leisure strategy, along the lines of the initial report.

It will also investigate facilities such as the Windmill Entertainment Centre and the future of cinema and live theatre productions currently staged there, and whether these could be provided elsewhere.

Arun cabinet member for planning Ricky Bower questioned Mr Geddes’ statement that the LSSC was not in a convenient location. He pointed to research showing 56 per cent of people felt it was convenient and accessible.

“But you suggest it should be moved. I can’t see the justification for that.”

Mr Bower added: “I would suggest rebuilding the existing centre would be better and would get more support from the community.”

Other ideas put forward by Colliers include promoting Arundel through a “Capital of Christmas” festival and re-styling Littlehampton as “England’s Waterfront Town”, with the creation of an artificial surfing lake on The Green.

Should Littlehampton Swimming and Sports Centre be moved away from its seafront location either to the town centre or the Littlehampton Academy site? Cast your vote in the panel to the right of the screen, and leave your comments below.