The Leadbitter Group has begun construction of the new Midhurst Community and Leisure Centre in West Sussex.
The new £6.8 million building will replace leisure facilities currently offered by the nearby Grange Centre, which will be demolished to make way for additional parking. It will include a four court sports hall, fitness room, squash courts, dance studio, a library, a community hall, community rooms, a health suite, and a café and bar.
The new building will also be the home to Chichester District Council’s Customer Service team and West Sussex County Council’s help point, as well as a registrar’s office and offices for leisure staff.
Leadbitter is delivering the centre on behalf of Chichester District Council, with partnership funding from West Sussex County Council and a grant from The Monument Trust.
Designed to achieve a BREEAM Very Good rating, the building’s steel frame will sit on an integrated raft foundation and floor slab. This was chosen due to the potential for the ground underlying the site to be wet due to the adjacent water course and pond. The building will be clad in a combination of brick, timber rainscreen and glazed aluminium curtain walling.
The internal spaces have been designed to be flexible, offering a range of different activity areas. Some rooms have moveable walls, allowing areas to be expanded or reduced depending on the activity.
David Cook, Regional Director of Leadbitter’s Southern Construction and Housing division, said: “Leadbitter is delighted to have the opportunity to use our extensive expertise in constructing high-quality community, leisure and sporting facilities to benefit the people of Midhurst and the surrounding area.
"Our experienced team is looking forward to working with the council and the design team to bring this project to fruition.”
Councillor Eileen Lintill, Chichester District Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, Wellbeing and Community Services, added: “These are really exciting times for Midhurst, Petworth and the surrounding villages and we’re excited to be creating a first class facility for everyone to enjoy.”
Midhurst Community and Leisure Centre is being developed via a partnership between Chichester District Council, West Sussex County Council, the Trustees of the Grange Community Association and Midhurst Town Council, who are collaborating to develop a centre that will best meet the community's needs.
