Improvements coming to Polegate recreation ground

Wealden District Council's cabinet has backed a £1.2 million funding bid to transform the Brightling Road Recreation Ground in Polegate.

The cabinet agreed to support allocating up to £1.2 million from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)—which is collected via developer fees—to merge several long-held community objectives into one coordinated development.

The proposed scheme will see the following improvements: 

• Sports & Action Areas: A brand new concrete skate park, a new BMX track, a dedicated climbing boulder, and upgrades to existing football pitches and sports courts.
• Family & Access Facilities: An accessible children's play space, widening of footpaths, and resurfacing of the current beginner skate area.
• Infrastructure: The addition of new site lighting, CCTV, a small car park, and ancillary buildings providing catering, public toilets, and changing rooms.

Funding & Timeline

While the district council leaders have given their backing, the final allocation depends on a future vote by the full council. If approved, Wealden will sign a Grant Funding Agreement with Polegate Town Council, which is contributing an additional £295,000 to the project. Construction is slated to begin in December 2026 with a target completion date ahead of summer 2027.