A sports centre in need of investment could be taken out of council hands.

Brighton and Hove City Council is to begin a procurement process to find an operator for Portslade Sports Centre in Chalky Road.

Councillors on the policy and resources committee, who gave the green light for the search for a new operator on Friday, heard how the current site does not have a computerised booking system.

The site, which has buildings dating back more than 40 years, requires almost £500,000 worth of investment to upgrade its roof, flooring, electrical equipment and artificial pitch.

The council said it is looking for an operator to bring in the investment to the site which the local authority can’t currently afford.

The centre, which is also used by Portslade Aldridge Community Academy, currently costs the council £116,000 a year to operate.

Six companies, including five not–for–profit organisations, have already expressed an interest in taking on a six–year management contract of the site.

Labour councillor for South Portslade Alan Robins said: “Obviously the site has fallen behind, I was surprised to learn that they don’t even have a computerised booking system, they write it down on bits of paper and stick it in a drawer if you need to book there.

“Stuff needs to be updated but it’s a great facility and the football pitches are second to none.”