Town Council Announces Small Increase in James West Community Centre Hire Charges

Hailsham Town Council has announced a small increase in hire fees at the James West Community Centre, which came into effect on 1 April. The adjustment is only the second increase since the Centre first opened in 2018.

The Town Council hopes that regular hirers and new users alike will understand that, with rising operational and maintenance costs, a modest increase is necessary to help ensure the long-term sustainability of the facility while continuing to provide a high-quality, accessible community space.

The James West Community Centre remains one of Hailsham’s most versatile and welcoming venues, offering flexible space for a wide range of activities including fitness classes, community meetings, children’s groups, performances and private celebrations. Its growing popularity reflects its importance as a hub for local residents, clubs and organisations.

The Centre features a spacious main hall capable of accommodating up to 200 seated guests, two fully equipped meeting rooms, a modern kitchen, changing facilities and a built-in PA system. It is well suited to everything from sports sessions and craft fairs to wedding receptions and children’s parties.

The Centre serves as a thriving hub for community use, with regular hirers including Hailsham Table Tennis Club, the Monday Youth Hub, Hailsham Netball Club, Hailsham Voices Community Pop Choir, Hailsham U3A, Yoga with Dawn, PW Performers and Little Kickers Football. More recent additions include Rugby Tots, art workshops led by Lila Devaney and tap-dancing classes, alongside ongoing sessions hosted by DISC Dementia Support, the Royal British Legion, the East Sussex Seniors’ Association (ESSA) and the Hailsham Parkinson’s Society.

Recent improvements have further enhanced the Centre’s appeal and usability. These include the installation of acoustic wall panels in meeting rooms to improve sound quality, drop-down projector screens for presentations and events, additional seating in the foyer and energy-efficient, timer-controlled lighting in the car park. Visitors can also benefit from a vending machine offering refreshments, as well as indoor courts for activities such as netball and pickleball. Additional upgrades, including new external signage and  interior redecoration, have also been undertaken.

Tony Lee, Operations & Facilities Manager, said: “We are committed to keeping the James West Community Centre as accessible and affordable as possible for our community. This is only the second increase in hire fees since opening, and we have worked hard to keep the rise to a minimum.”

Chair of the Council’s Assets Management Committee, Cllr Mary Laxton, commented: “The Centre continues to go from strength to strength, with a wide variety of groups and activities making use of the space each week. The recent improvements have made a real difference to the experience for hirers, and we’re delighted to see even more people and organisations making the most of what the Centre has to offer.”

“Our hire fees are very competitive in comparison to other similar community halls in the area.”

To find out more or to book the James West Community Centre, contact Hailsham Town Council on 01323 841702 or email jameswestcentre@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.