A decision to give the green light for a new community hub in Sidley, Bexhill has been warmly welcomed by the leader of Rother District Council.

Councillor Doug Oliver said the move by the district council to give planning permission for the £2m development is a massive boost for the community.

The hub will provide new changing facilities for sports, a café, function rooms, parking and landscaping.

Councillor Oliver said: “I am absolutely delighted that the applicant, Heart of Sidley, has received planning permission for their community hub.

“Although there is a lot of hard work to do, the people of Sidley and wider area can look forward to a fantastic new facility.”

The Heart of Sidley planning decision is another major step in the £19.3m Levelling Up Fund project that will deliver cultural-led regeneration and help improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the district.

Councillor Hazel Timpe, portfolio holder for neighbourhood services at Rother District Council, said: “As well as the community hub for Sidley, the Levelling Up funding will see millions of pounds being provided for the De La Warr Pavilion, enabling us to harness the potential of our venue, creating new jobs and opportunities for learning and skills.”

Councillor Oliver, who chairs the Levelling Up Fund Board, added: “We look forward to celebrating the next key stages of both projects over the coming months.”

Work on the new community hub to be built at Sidley Recreation Ground in Canada Way is due to commence this autumn and be completed by winter 2025.

More information about Heart of Sidley and the new community hub can be found at https://heartofsidley.co.uk/

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Published: 27th August 2024