Withdean in line for £3 million revamp

2:00pm Thursday 19th April 2012 in News By Rebecca Evans

Millions of pounds could be spent upgrading Withdean Sports Complex.

The former home of Brighton and Hove Albion is in line for a £3 million upgrade as part of Brighton and Hove City Council’s plans to get more people exercising.

The council, which owns Withdean, will spend the money on improving health and fitness facilities.

The funding will be borrowed and repaid over 25 years out of “increased income”.

It also predicts a £400,000 surplus will be made over this period through higher earnings.

The plans will be debated at council today.

If it gets the go-ahead and planning permission a glazed extension will be added to the front of the tennis centre.

It would include a new reception with café, a larger fitness suite with 125 equipment stations, a bigger dance and exercise studio and refurbished modern changing rooms and toilets.

The council wants to increase participation by almost 70% and attract over 1,000 new members and casual users.

Councillor Geoffrey Bowden, cabinet member for recreation, said: “This is a sign of the council wanting to improve facilities to meet customer expectations.”

“Consultation has shown demand for more gym and exercise facilities, particularly at Withdean. The council wants to help people get healthier and create a great sports complex.”

Later improvements could also include replacing the athletics track – but funding for his has not yet been guaranteed.

Comments(9)

Retired Loon in Brighton says...
2:25pm Thu 19 Apr 12

Thank goodness the country isn't going through a prolonged rough and uncertain financial future with monumental debt and growing unemployment.

The guesses made about such income are often hopelessly inaccurate and guess who picks up the bill?

There is no evidence this 'gets people exercising' -it hasn't anywhere else where councils have been allowed to waste such money. Spraying money up the wall won't increase attendance by 70%. If you really think it will then those in favour should put your jobs and pensions on the line. If attendance doesn't go up by 50% then hand back your pay and forego your pensions?

Did this consultation ask things like the following:
Would you like a nice new shiny thing for free?

Ofcourse people say 'yes' and we would like lots of other things for free as well.
Ask them what they are willing to 'give up' or 'pay extra for' to get the gimmicks on offer and it's almost always a different story.

Report this post »

bug eye says...
2:46pm Thu 19 Apr 12

for 3 million pounds knock it down and get a private developer to build something decent, a council development will be over budget, delivered late and cheap and nasty, just look at the vile childish city branding of two coloured squares, very inspiring, not.

Report this post »

Crystal Ball says...
2:48pm Thu 19 Apr 12

How about spending (some of) the £3m on improving the woeful Park & Ride at Withdean? It's truly God-awful and not a promotion or encouragement for people to come to the town and leave their cars away from the centre.

Report this post »

wexler53 says...
5:13pm Thu 19 Apr 12

Get the Greens Out.

Report this post »

Strange Town says...
5:31pm Thu 19 Apr 12

It doesn't matter how much you spend on the upgrade people still cannot afford to use the facility, keep it as it is but subsidise the fees.
And if recent upgrades are anything to go by we will be left with another blot on the landscape, just look at the Brighton Centre it resembles a green house and the inside is like an airport departure lounge all character ripped out to create a soul less monolith.

Report this post »

HJarrs says...
8:25pm Thu 19 Apr 12

If this is truly self funding then it is an excellent and imaginative step to providing the sporting facilities at a time when money is tight.

This project will need careful planning and monitoring to deliver. I am wary of forecasts of money in 25 years time. They are never accurate, be that for better or for worse. However, if it is a low risk of saddling the council tax payer with a big bill then go for it. B&H shouldn't be held back by those posters above who have no vision for the city.

Report this post »

Sevensisters says...
10:48pm Thu 19 Apr 12

Whatever next! People arent interested in exercising. Apart from that, most people cant afford to pay to use these facilities. This money could be better spent elsewhere.

Report this post »

HJarrs says...
8:09am Fri 20 Apr 12

Sevensisters wrote:
Whatever next! People arent interested in exercising. Apart from that, most people cant afford to pay to use these facilities. This money could be better spent elsewhere.
Speak for yourself lardy. I think you will find that there is plenty of demand and if this project is self funding I can't see the objection to providing better sports facilities in B&H. Its a no brainer!

Report this post »

dhlennon says...
7:19pm Sat 21 Apr 12

Local residents weren't asked if this is how they wanted their council tax spent, nor was it in anyone's manifesto in 2010. I think many of us are fed-up with the "nanny state" mentality exhibited by all political parties. I'm sure there are better things to spend OUR £3m on in our "city". It's a terrible shame for local democracy we are now locked-in to voting every 4 years for a full council, rather than the annual vote for a third.

Report this post »

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree