Open Days to Showcase New Community Hall in Hailsham

Residents and local community groups are being invited to a series of open day events showcasing a new community hall in Hailsham, which opens its doors to the public in the coming weeks.

The James West Community Hall, located on the recent Welbury Farm development in north Hailsham, is holding open sessions on Thursday 3^rd May (6pm-8pm), Friday 4^th May (10am-12pm) and Saturday 5^th May (10am-12pm).

Residents and prospective hirers of the recently constructed building will have the opportunity to meet Town Council staff and explore the facilities and services within the centre.

The provision of a community hall and sports facility was made as part of the initial planning agreement between Hailsham Town Council and Welbury Farm developer, Taylor Wimpey.

The Town Council, which agreed to take on responsibility of the new facility, considered various proposals for the design of the building in 2013 and formally agreed a design plan which will allow the Council to accommodate a wider variety of users and to provide improved facilities which help meet the demands of the local sports clubs and community groups.

The James West Community Hall consists of an 18m x 10m hall, which includes space for a demountable stage and able to accommodate an audience of approximately 200 seated for licensed 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.

“We’re very excited about the new community hall,” said Town Mayor Councillor Nigel Coltman. “Not only will this new space expand our opportunity for community and local sports activities in Hailsham, but also meet the growing need for community hall hire space in the area.”

“Our hope is to offer community and sporting groups low cost hire space, along with providing a quality and accessible new venue option for wedding receptions and other private function hires.”

Deputy Town Clerk & Business Enterprise Manager Mickey Caira commented: “Hailsham has needed a new sports and community hall facility to cater for the increasing population locally.”

“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 hope 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.”