Hailsham Town Council highlights latest improvements at the James West Community Centre

Hailsham Town Council is highlighting a series of recent additions and improvements at the James West Community Centre, enhancing its facilities and expanding opportunities for local residents, clubs and community groups to take part in sport, recreation and a wide range of activities.

The latest additions include a dedicated badminton and pickleball court, complete with nets, rackets, paddles, balls and shuttlecocks, as well as new football goals and footballs available for use in the main hall.

The expanded sporting facilities provide more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to get active, enjoy friendly competition and make use of the Centre's versatile indoor spaces. Whether for organised club sessions, regular sporting activities or an informal game with friends, the facilities offer new ways for the community to enjoy the venue.

Kirsten Fernforth, Centre Manager at the James West Community Centre, said: "It's fantastic to see the Centre continuing to develop and offer even more to local residents. The new badminton, pickleball and football equipment gives people more opportunities to get involved in sport, whether they are experienced players or simply looking to try something new.

"We want the Centre to be a welcoming and accessible place where people can meet, enjoy activities and make connections within the community. These additions help us build on what is already a busy and popular venue."

The introduction of the new badminton, pickleball and football facilities is the latest in a series of improvements at the James West Community Centre, reflecting the Town Council's continued investment in the venue and its commitment to providing modern, flexible facilities for the local community.

Recent enhancements have included a complete repaint of the main hall, creating a brighter and more welcoming space, alongside the installation of a new state-of-the-art lighting system which allows hirers to adjust lighting levels and settings according to the activity or event taking place.

Other improvements include enhanced acoustics in the meeting rooms, new projection equipment, a portable large-screen TV for use in the meeting rooms, energy-efficient lighting in the car park and a recently refurbished accessible washroom, further enhancing the Centre's facilities for visitors and hirers.

Tony Lee, Operations and Facilities Manager at the Town Council, said: "We are continually looking at ways to improve the facilities available at the James West Community Centre and ensure the building meets the changing needs of its users."

"The improvements range from the upgraded lighting and meeting room facilities to the new sporting equipment, helping make the Centre more adaptable for different activities and events. We hope these additions will encourage even more residents, clubs and organisations to make use of the venue."

Cllr Dave Chapman, Chair of the Assets Management Committee, added: "The James West Community Centre is an important community asset, and these improvements demonstrate the Council's commitment to maintaining and developing facilities that benefit local people."

"By investing in the building and introducing new opportunities for sport and recreation, we are helping ensure the Centre remains a welcoming, practical and versatile space for the community, both now and in the future."

Situated on Brunel Drive, the James West Community Centre has become an established hub for local clubs, groups, activities, meetings and events, with facilities capable of accommodating everything from regular weekly sessions to private celebrations and larger community gatherings.

The main hall measures 18 metres by 11.7 metres and can accommodate up to 200 people. The Centre also features two well-equipped meeting rooms, a modern kitchen, changing facilities, storage areas, accessible toilets and a built-in public address system.

Its adaptable spaces make the venue suitable for a wide variety of activities and events, including sports and exercise sessions, dance classes, toddler groups, training sessions, exhibitions, markets, children's activities, private parties, weddings, fundraising events and community celebrations. There is also sufficient space for equipment such as inflatables and bouncy castles.

The Council welcomes enquiries from individuals, community groups, clubs, businesses and organisations interested in hiring the Centre, whether for a one-off event, regular activity or informal sporting session.

For further information about hiring the James West Community Centre, call 07761 913928 or email [email protected].