Designs for new £12 million sports centre to go on display

Horsham District Council will share detailed concept designs for the new centre at public exhibitions in both Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre and the Pavilions In The Park in Horsham.

The exhibitions will run until June 8.

Following extensive consultation with users, stakeholders and the community, the council agreed the go-ahead for the new sports and leisure centre at a total cost of some £12.3 million at a council meeting in December last year.

The development will deliver the biggest public ‘dry-side’ sports and leisure centre in the district and will see a major new facility built to replace the existing Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre.

The current leisure centre will be open throughout the construction process with all services and activities continuing as normal.

Cabinet member for leisure and culture, Jonathan Chowen (Con, Cowfold, Shermanbury and West Grinstead) said: “I am delighted that we are in a position to showcase the new design concepts with members of the public for the first time before we start this exciting development for the district.

“We are pleased to have agreed such a fantastic, multi-purpose scheme which we believe will meet the future aspirations of both the community and sports clubs that currently use the existing centre whilst at the same time providing best value for tax payers.

“I would urge as many of you as possible to come along and take a look at the designs.”

The new centre will be developed in Broadbridge Heath on the site in between the existing leisure centre, and the Indoor Bowls Club.

The outdoor running track will be retained to the west of the new centre.

Five multi-use games areas will be provided, as well as new football pitches, a club house, and an additional skate park. Additional car parking will also be made available.

Subject to final consultations and planning approval, work will start on site in early 2017 and the new centre will open in spring 2018.

The council says that further information will also be published at www.horsham.gov.uk as the site progresses.

What facilities will be provided?

Inside the new leisure centre:

- A six court sports hall

- An 80-station gym, a cycle studio and three fitness studios

- A café and extended catering facilities

- A sensory room

- Changing for indoor and outdoor activity, including a Changing Places disabled changing facility

- A Clip and Climb facility.

Outside the new leisure centre:

The plan will also provide in conjunction with the Countryside Wickhurst Green development:

- Football pitches and open recreational space including a changing area and new club house

- Multi-use games areas (MUGAS)

- A skate park

- Car parking.

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