New community sports hub opens to deliver lasting benefits for Wealden residents and communities

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 funded by Wealden District Council, as landowner, with £3.5 million in part-funding from the Premier League, The FA and the government’s Football Foundation, helping to make the project possible.

Residents and visitors can enjoy 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 Wealden Community Sports Hub has been delivered on schedule and within the approved budget, creating a fantastic new space for residents to enjoy while supporting the local economy and creating employment opportunities.

Leisure United has been appointed to operate and manage the Hub on behalf of the council, bringing expertise in delivering high-quality multi-sports and community hubs.

Wealden District Council’s Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and Lead Councillor for Public Health and Asset Management, said, “Today marks a significant milestone for Wealden as we open the Wealden Community Sports Hub and welcome residents. This is far more than a sports facility, it is a lasting investment in our communities, designed to help people of all ages and abilities lead healthier and happier lives. This project reflects our commitment to building a kinder, fairer and greener place to live that ensures our communities thrive.  We are incredibly proud to open a facility that has been shaped by local people and one that will serve generations to come.”

Mark Coulson, Leisure United chief executive officer, said, “Leisure United is delighted to be operating the 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.”

 

Background information: 

For more information about the Hub and how to contact Leisure United to enquire about availability, user registration and ways to enjoy the site, please visit Wealden Community Sports Hub | Let’s Talk Wealden.

Address: Wealden Community Sports Hub, New North Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 4GF.

Wealden Community Sports Hub has been shaped through extensive public engagement. An eight-week public consultation was held between August and October 2021, receiving more than 600 responses. A further public consultation took place in 2023, alongside ongoing engagement with local sports clubs, governing bodies and community groups. There was also a dedicated consultation on the children’s play area and skate park during 2024 and 2025 which directly influenced the final designs of these facilities.

The project has been funded by Wealden District Council (£13.2 million) alongside a £3.5 million grant from the Premier League, The FA and the government’s Football Foundation through the Football Foundation’s Hubs Programme.

Leisure United is one of the fastest-growing operators of community sports facilities in England which aims to change grassroots football for the better. Operating 19 high-quality, multi-sport hubs across the country as the wholly owned charity of The National Football Trust.