New Wealden Community Sports Hub opens near Hailsham

The brand-new Wealden Community Sports Hub officially opened to the public on Wednesday, 5 August 2026.

Located just north of Hailsham near the Boship Roundabout on the A267, this 20-acre major health and recreation development serves residents across Hailsham, Hellingly, and the wider Wealden district. 

Project Overview & Funding

The facility represents a £16.7 million total investment designed to elevate grassroots sports and community wellness. The funding was delivered through a multi-agency partnership: 

• Wealden District Council: Contributed £13.2 million.
• The Football Foundation: Provided a £3.5 million grant backed by the Premier League, The FA, and the UK Government.
• Operator: The site is managed on a not-for-profit basis by Leisure United Wealden (the operating arm of The National Football Trust). Any surplus income generated will be reinvested back into the area's grassroots sports clubs. 

Available Sports & Recreation Facilities

The 20-acre complex offers an array of floodlit courts, inclusive training spaces, and family-oriented amenities: 

• Football: Two full-size, floodlit 3G pitches.
• Racquet Sports: Two floodlit padel tennis courts and four dual-use floodlit tennis and netball courts.
• Free Public Spaces: A modern skate park and an expansive children's adventure play area (neither requires booking or registration).
• Trails: A dedicated track looping the facility for running, cycling, and walking.
• Social Spaces: A sports pavilion featuring a community café, a flexible meeting room, and changing facilities (including a specialized Changing Places fully accessible bathroom). 

Visitor Access, Registrations, & Opening Hours

To ensure security and structured scheduling, the hub utilizes an automated digital check-in system. 

• Before Visiting: All sports facility users (players, coaches, and spectators) must register for a free account via the Leisure United Website to obtain a personal access QR code. You will scan this code at the gate terminals next to reception. Parents can link children under 16 to their accounts. 
• Padel Court Bookings: Padel slots can be scheduled directly online using the Playtomic Booking Platform. Padel rackets are available on-site for hire with a fully refundable £10 deposit.
• Travel & Parking: The site includes 195 vehicle spaces equipped with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, cycle parking, and a coach drop-off zone. The council has also outlined plans to enhance local bus routes to offer seamless public transport access. 

Address for Sat-Nav directions: Wealden Community Sports Hub, New North Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 4GF