A new era for community sport in Wealden and a big step forward for sustainability

A brand new multi-sports hub will officially open in Hailsham this summer.

The Wealden Community Sports Hub is a major investment in local sport, physical activity and community wellbeing. 

Led by Wealden District Council in partnership with Leisure United, this facility is located 1km from the Boship roundabout at Knights Farm East, and is set to become a vibrant, accessible and environmentally sustainable home for movement in the area.

One of the most exciting aspects of the new hub is its commitment to green, future‑focused design. 

David Taylor, who leads Active Sussex’s environmental sustainability agenda, said: “It’s fantastic to see a major community facility being developed with sustainability embedded from the very beginning. 

“This approach not only supports the wellbeing of local residents but also strengthens our collective responsibility to protect the environment.

“What excites me most is how these sustainable features also enhance accessibility and user experience. 

“They make the hub more welcoming, more adaptable and more relevant to the needs of today’s communities.

“This development is a good example of what future‑ready facilities can look like. 

“I hope it inspires organisations across Sussex to consider how they, too, can embed sustainability into their spaces and contribute to a greener, healthier future.”

A state‑of‑the‑art facility for all

With excellent transport links, including improved bus services, new pedestrian and cycling access, and close proximity to the Cuckoo Trai, the facility will be easy to reach for residents across Wealden.

It offers an impressive range of facilities, including:

– Two full‑size floodlit 3G football pitches

– Four floodlit netball/tennis courts

– Two floodlit padel tennis courts

– A children’s play area and skate park

– A running, cycling and walking track

– A welcoming community café and flexible community space

– Modern changing facilities, including a fully accessible Changing Place

– 195 parking spaces with EV charging, plus cycle parking and coach drop‑off

This is a space designed for schools, clubs, voluntary groups, community organisations, and local residents to come together, whether for training, matches, events, social activities, or simply to catch up over coffee.

A flagship for sustainability

The project has taken several major steps to reduce environmental impact and enhance local biodiversity.

This includes:

– New pedestrian and cycling access to encourage active travel

– Significant investment in improved bus services

– Installation of seven dual EV charge points

– Energy powered by solar canopies and air source heat pumps, with no gas on site

– A biodiversity net gain, supported by a planting strategy that includes 273 mature and semi‑mature trees

– Installation and monitoring of bird, bat and dormice boxes

– A sensitive lighting strategy designed to protect local bat species

Get involved

Leisure United is keen to hear from local organisations interested in using the hub’s facilities or joining a pre‑opening site tour.

To find out more or express your interest, email info.wealden@leisureunited.com or complete the short form: WEALDEN COMMUNITY SPORTS HUB – FACILITY INTEREST FORM