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Community Centre in Hailsham Officially Opened

Community, Council News & Services

Deputy Lord Lieutenant Miles Jenner with Grant De Jongh 

Deputy Lieutenant of East Sussex Mr Miles Jenner formally opened the James West Community Centre in Brunel Drive, Hailsham, at a function held on Saturday [13 October] and attended by town councillors, family members of the late James West, hirers of the centre and local residents.

Mr Jenner marked the ceremonial opening with the unveiling of a special commemorative plaque and was given a guided tour of the centre, which opened its doors to the public in June.

Members of the public were invited to attend and given the opportunity to look around the centre to see what facilities are available. Some of the groups that already use the centre on a regular basis provided demonstrations of their activities.

“We’re very excited about the James West Community Centre and its potential,” said town councillor Stella Van der Geyten. “Not only has this new space already helped to expand our opportunity for community and local sports activities in Hailsham since we took our first bookings in June, but it is set to meet the growing need for community hall hire space in the area well into the future.”

“I’d like to thank everyone who attended the event on Saturday, in particular Deputy Lieutenant Mr Miles Jenner for taking the time out of his busy schedule to officiate over the opening.”

The James West Community Centre consists of an 18m x 11.7m hall, able to accommodate an audience of around 200 seated for public performances.

The building also includes two meeting rooms (10 and 16-person capacity), a large kitchen, store rooms, toilets, changing rooms and a P.A. system.

The facility can be hired for community events, sports, business meetings, memorial services, youth groups and other social events, as well as private function hire.

Deputy Town Clerk & Business Enterprise Manager Mickey Caira commented: “This new purpose-built centre will play a key role in enabling Hailsham to fulfil its potential as a vibrant and inclusive town and we are confident that the centre will be a hub of community life, offering a broad range of activities that meet the requirements and interests of sports clubs, businesses, community groups and public sector organisations, as well as private hirers.”

For further information about the James West Community Centre, or to make a booking, contact Hailsham Town Council on 01323 841702 or by email: enquiries@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.

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Enquiries relating to this media release

Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk