Latest news with #KelvinWilliams
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New lease for leisure centre, council says
A leisure centre which was previously at risk of closure has now secured a lease until 2042, Wealden District Council says. Uckfield Leisure Centre had been subject to a campaign to save it in 2023, leading to 5,000 people signing a petition to safeguard the site. The council says it will now continue to lease the site from East Sussex County Council into the future, with Freedom Leisure contracted to operate the site until April 2027. Contracts for running the leisure centre, alongside Hailsham and Crowborough leisure centres, will be awarded in the next 12 to 18 months, the council added. Kelvin Williams, lead councillor for public health and asset management, said: "We have put £78,000 towards improvements and have already undertaken works which have included a new pool cover, destratification fans in the pool and in the gym, circulation pumps and a new chlorine bulk tank. "There are further planned energy efficiency measures to be installed at the centre over the next 12 months." Nearly 140,000 visits were made to the leisure centre between April and November 2024, a spokesperson for the council added. In the same time period, more than 40,000 visits were made to the swimming pool. Wealden District Council had previously agreed to hand the site back to East Sussex County Council in October 2022, but later agreed to seek a new lease after a campaign to save it. The site was later listed as an asset of community value, meaning that the local community would be given a chance to bid for it if it comes up for sale in the future. According to the council, Freedom Leisure has invested over £300,000 into improvements to the swimming pool as well as new fitness equipment, a spin studio and wellness studio. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Consultation opens into 1,700-home proposal GPs and sports centre join forces Wealden District Council
BBC News
25-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Wealden council secures new lease for Uckfield Leisure Centre
A leisure centre which was previously at risk of closure has now secured a lease until 2042, Wealden District Council Leisure Centre had been subject to a campaign to save it in 2023, leading to 5,000 people signing a petition to safeguard the council says it will now continue to lease the site from East Sussex County Council into the future, with Freedom Leisure contracted to operate the site until April for running the leisure centre, alongside Hailsham and Crowborough leisure centres, will be awarded in the next 12 to 18 months, the council added. Kelvin Williams, lead councillor for public health and asset management, said: "We have put £78,000 towards improvements and have already undertaken works which have included a new pool cover, destratification fans in the pool and in the gym, circulation pumps and a new chlorine bulk tank."There are further planned energy efficiency measures to be installed at the centre over the next 12 months."Nearly 140,000 visits were made to the leisure centre between April and November 2024, a spokesperson for the council the same time period, more than 40,000 visits were made to the swimming District Council had previously agreed to hand the site back to East Sussex County Council in October 2022, but later agreed to seek a new lease after a campaign to save site was later listed as an asset of community value, meaning that the local community would be given a chance to bid for it if it comes up for sale in the to the council, Freedom Leisure has invested over £300,000 into improvements to the swimming pool as well as new fitness equipment, a spin studio and wellness studio.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Residents given say on skate park plans
A public consultation has been launched into the design of a new skatepark in East Sussex. Residents are being asked for their views on two proposed design options for the park, which will be part of the Wealden Community Sports Hub, near Hailsham. Wealden District Council has provided an online window for feedback and it remains live until 19 March. The consultation will help ensure the scheme meets the needs and preferences of everyone in the community, a senior councillor has said. Designed by Canvas, a local consultation, design, and construction company specialising in concrete skateparks, each look aims to create inclusive and accommodating spaces for both beginners and experienced skaters. One option emphasises a designated 'slow' section for those starting out, along with younger users, allowing them to practice the basics and build confidence. The second design is aimed largely at the needs of seasoned skaters but also includes an alternative layout option to appeal to a more mixed skill-set. Councillor Kelvin Williams, lead councillor for Public Health and Asset Management called the park "a vital recreational space that encourages physical activity, creativity, and social interaction". "This consultation is crucial to ensure that our new skatepark meets the needs and preferences of the community," he said. "We urge residents of all ages to participate in the consultation and help us create a facility that everyone can enjoy." Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Organic skate park offers sessions to older riders New wheeled sports area open in seafront park Wealden District Council
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Council opens applications for sports funds scheme
An East Sussex council is inviting applications for its Sports Infrastructure Fund programme. The scheme, launched by Wealden District Council (WDC), aims to enhance and provide outdoor sports pitches and facilities throughout the district. The council has committed £200,000 per year over a three-year period to organisations via a grant funding programme. The sports that could benefit from the funding include football, rugby, tennis, cricket, lawn bowls and netball, WDC added. Councillor Kelvin Williams said: "Providing high-quality local sports facilities and outdoor spaces is essential for enabling our residents to lead healthier lifestyles through physical activity and community engagement. "We encourage local partners and sports clubs to apply for funding to improve the accessibility and quality of sports facilities across the district. "By working together, we can strengthen community bonds and build a healthier, more resilient Wealden." Match funding is available from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds and will help enhance the quality, accessibility and protection of community-use sports facilities for generations to come, the council said. Applications are being invited from local sports clubs, town and parish councils, schools and community organisations to support the delivery of a range of projects. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Community Sports Hub receives £3.5m funding Work starts on sports hub following football grant Wealden District Council
BBC News
09-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Wealden: Council invites applications for sports funds scheme
An East Sussex council is inviting applications for its Sports Infrastructure Fund scheme, launched by Wealden District Council (WDC), aims to enhance and provide outdoor sports pitches and facilities throughout the council has committed £200,000 per year over a three-year period to organisations via a grant funding sports that could benefit from the funding include football, rugby, tennis, cricket, lawn bowls and netball, WDC added. Councillor Kelvin Williams said: "Providing high-quality local sports facilities and outdoor spaces is essential for enabling our residents to lead healthier lifestyles through physical activity and community engagement."We encourage local partners and sports clubs to apply for funding to improve the accessibility and quality of sports facilities across the district."By working together, we can strengthen community bonds and build a healthier, more resilient Wealden."Match funding is available from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds and will help enhance the quality, accessibility and protection of community-use sports facilities for generations to come, the council are being invited from local sports clubs, town and parish councils, schools and community organisations to support the delivery of a range of projects.
