New Badminton and Pickleball Facilities Available at James West Community Centre

Hailsham’s James West Community Centre has expanded its sporting facilities with the introduction of a dedicated pickleball and badminton court, complete with nets, rackets, paddles, balls and shuttlecocks, giving local residents and hirers a new way to get active and make use of the Centre’s main hall.

Hailsham Town Council is inviting residents, existing hirers, community groups and sports enthusiasts to book the main hall and make use of the new equipment for recreational sessions, informal games, group activities and sports sessions.

The new facilities also offer an opportunity for residents looking to get involved in pickleball, a fast-growing sport which combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. There is currently no known dedicated pickleball club in Hailsham, making the availability of the new court an ideal opportunity for local enthusiasts to come together, arrange informal meet-ups and potentially establish a regular pickleball group in the town.

For badminton players, the new equipment provides an additional option for informal games and social meet-ups, giving friends, families and groups a convenient local venue where they can get together and play without the need to join a formal club.

The introduction of the new badminton and pickleball facilities is the latest in a series of improvements at the James West Community Centre, reflecting the Town Council’s continued investment in the venue and its commitment to providing modern, flexible facilities for the local community.

Recent enhancements have included a complete repaint of the main hall, creating a brighter and more welcoming space, alongside the installation of a new state-of-the-art lighting system which allows hirers to adjust lighting levels and settings according to the activity or event taking place.

Other improvements include enhanced acoustics in the meeting rooms, new projection equipment, additional seating in the foyer, energy-efficient lighting in the car park and a refreshments vending machine.

The main hall has also been adapted to accommodate a wider range of sporting activities, including netball, badminton and pickleball, further increasing the versatility of the space.

Situated on Brunel Drive, the James West Community Centre has become an established hub for local clubs, groups, activities, meetings and events, with facilities capable of accommodating everything from regular weekly sessions to private celebrations and larger community gatherings.

The main hall measures 18 metres by 11.7 metres and can accommodate up to 200 people. The Centre also features two well-equipped meeting rooms, a modern kitchen, changing facilities, storage areas, accessible toilets and a built-in public address system.

Its adaptable spaces make the venue suitable for a wide variety of activities and events, including sports and exercise sessions, dance classes, toddler groups, training sessions, exhibitions, markets, children’s activities, private parties, weddings, fundraising events and community celebrations. There is also sufficient space for equipment such as inflatables and bouncy castles.

Cllr Dave Chapman, Chair of the Town Council’s Assets Management Committee, said: “The James West Community Centre is one of Hailsham’s most important community assets and continues to play a vital role in supporting local organisations and bringing people together. The variety of groups already using the Centre demonstrates just how versatile the facility is, and we’re keen to see even more clubs, businesses and community organisations take advantage of everything it has to offer.”

“The Town Council has continued to invest in the Centre to ensure it remains a modern, accessible and attractive venue for the community. These improvements are helping to future-proof the building and provide high-quality facilities that meet the needs of residents for many years to come.”

Tony Lee, Operations and Facilities Manager at Hailsham Town Council, said: “We’ve worked hard to continually improve the James West Community Centre, responding to feedback from users and investing in facilities that make the venue more comfortable, practical and flexible. The recent upgrades have significantly enhanced the experience for hirers, whether they’re running a sports session, a community meeting or a private function.”

“We would encourage anyone looking for a venue to come and see what the Centre has to offer. Its combination of modern facilities, flexible spaces, convenient location and competitive hire rates makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of activities and events.”

With the new equipment now available, the Town Council is particularly keen to encourage residents to make use of the court for informal badminton and pickleball sessions. The facilities could also provide the foundations for residents to establish regular social meet-ups, particularly for pickleball enthusiasts who currently have no dedicated local club.

The Council welcomes enquiries from individuals, community groups, clubs, businesses and organisations interested in hiring the Centre, whether for a one-off event, regular activity or informal sporting session.

For further information about hiring the James West Community Centre, using the new badminton and pickleball facilities, or discussing the possibility of setting up informal sporting sessions, call 01323 841702 or email jameswestcentre@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.