New Community Sports Hub Opens To Deliver Lasting Benefits For Wealden Residents And Communities

The Wealden Community Sports Hub is now open, creating new opportunities for residents of all ages to get active, improve their wellbeing, take part in community life and build new connections.

Located near the Boship roundabout on the A267 in Lower Dicker, Hailsham, the £16.7 million state-of-the-art sports hub has been developed to meet the growing need for accessible sport and recreation facilities across the district.

The hub has been majority funded by Wealden District Council, which owned the land the hub has been built on. Aswell as £3.5 million part funding received from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation helping to make the project possible.

Leisure United operates and manages the hub.

The hub offers a wide range of high-quality sports and community facilities, including two full-size floodlit 3G football pitches, four floodlit netball and tennis courts, two floodlit padel courts, a children’s play area, a skate park, and a perimeter trail for running, cycling, and walking.

There is also a community café, flexible community space, modern changing facilities including a Changing Places toilet, 200 parking spaces with electric vehicle charging points, and a dedicated coach drop-off area.

The sports hub It is set to welcome grassroot sport, local clubs and community life, providing inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to take part in physical activity, connect with others, and enjoy a welcoming community environment.

Registering and bookings are managed by the Wealden Community Sports Hub team. https://app.leisureunited.com/wealden

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party) and Lead Councillor for Public Health and Asset Management at Wealden District Council, said, “Today marks an exciting milestone for Wealden residents as the hub opens and welcomes residents for the first time. This facility will be an asset which the district will use to benefit wellbeing and health. This isn’t just a place to play sport, it’s a community space where people can come together, keep active, socialise and relax. We’re incredibly proud to open a facility that has been shaped by local people.”

Mark Coulson, Leisure United Chief Executive Officer, said:

“Leisure United is delighted to be operating Wealden Community Sports Hub and providing outstanding opportunities for local residents to be active, connect with others and enjoy a wide range of sports and recreational activities.

The Hub facilities will create a modern, inclusive space that caters for people of all ages and abilities. These high-quality facilities will support local clubs, schools, community groups and residents by providing year-round opportunities to take part in sport, exercise and outdoor recreation.

We are proud to be managing this fantastic community asset and look forward to welcoming people from across the region to enjoy everything the Hub has to offer.”

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.

“We’re delighted that the local community will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new facilities at Wealden Community Sports Hub.”