Official opening celebrates landmark investment in Wealden’s sport and community facilities

A landmark £16.7 million investment in sport, physical activity and community wellbeing has been celebrated at the official opening of the Wealden Community Sports Hub.

The ceremony marks the latest milestone for the Hub, which opened to the public in August and is already creating new opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities to take part in sport, get active and connect with their community.

The Hub was funded by Wealden District Council with £13.2 million, alongside a £3.5 million grant from the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation.

The Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Andrew Blackman, formally opened the Hub by cutting the ribbon at a ceremony attended by project partners, stakeholders and the teams responsible for delivering and operating the facility.

Guests heard from Trevor Scott, chief executive of Wealden District Council, Mark Coulson, chief executive of Leisure United, Councillor Rachel Millward, leader of Wealden District Council, Councillor Kelvin Williams, Wealden District Council’s portfolio holder for Public Health and Asset Management, and Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Andrew Blackman.

The speeches identified the need across the district for a wider range of opportunities to take part in sport, supported by high-quality pitches and wellbeing facilities. They also heard how engagement with residents, clubs, and community groups helped to shape the Hub through the design process, the partnership behind its delivery and how the new facilities are already enabling participation in sport, physical activity and community life across Wealden and the East Sussex county.

Following the speeches, guests toured the Hub’s sporting, leisure and community spaces and met representatives involved in bringing the project to life.

Bringing a wide range of sporting, leisure and community facilities together in one place, the Hub is designed to help people of all ages and abilities become more active, take part in sport and connect with others in their community.

Councillor Kelvin Williams, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) and lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management, said, “The Hub is a major investment for the health and wellbeing our communities. As a local authority, our role is to work with local people to understand their needs and turn that insight into investment that makes a lasting difference. We have also embraced the council’s objectives around sustainability and environment by planting trees and installing solar panels in the car park.

“The Hub reflects what residents, clubs and local groups told us they wanted. By bringing high-quality, accessible facilities together in one place, we are creating more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to be active, connect with others and enjoy sport. Its official opening is a proud moment for our communities and for everyone who has worked together in partnership to bring this ambitious project to life.”

Mark Coulson, chief executive of Leisure United, said, “We are delighted to be operating the Wealden Community Sports Hub and to welcome local clubs, groups and residents through its doors. Our focus is on making the facility welcoming, accessible, well used and rooted in the community so that the Hub delivers lasting opportunities for participation and wellbeing.”

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 in East Sussex will now be able to enjoy all these benefits thanks to the new facilities at Wealden Community Sports Hub.”

Leisure United manages and operates the Wealden Community Sports Hub. It is the wholly owned charitable subsidiary of the National Football Trust and operates 20 multi-sport hubs across England, with a focus on improving access to high-quality community sports facilities.

Now open and welcoming the community, the Hub will support more people across Wealden to take part in sport and physical activity while providing a lasting space for clubs, groups and residents to come together.