Community Centre in Hailsham available for hire by residents and community groups

The Centre consists of an 18m x 11.7m hall, able to accommodate an audience of around 200 seated, in addition to two meeting rooms. The facility also includes a modern kitchen, storerooms, toilets, changing rooms and a P.A. system.

The main hall ideal for children's parties with space for inflatable/bouncy castles and is frequently used at weekends.

Town Clerk John Harrison said: "Since opening just a few years ago, this purpose-built centre has already begun to play a key role in enabling Hailsham to fulfil its potential as a vibrant and inclusive town and we hope it continues to be a popular community hub, offering a range of activities for local residents."

"This year, the centre celebrates six years since it first launched and opened to the public and, as a valuable asset to the local community, currently has a wide range of local groups and people of all ages using the space and facilities on a regular basis."

Hirers are able to use the James West Community Centre for social clubs and activities, sports and games, dancing and exercise, pre-school and toddler groups, craft exhibits, after-school clubs, family functions, quiz nights and fundraising events, as well as seminars, conferences, business meetings and public consultation events.

Current regular hirers include Hailsham Table Tennis Club, Monday Youth Hub, Hailsham Active, Hailsham Voices Pop Choir, PW Performers and Baby Ballet. The centre also hosts meetings provided by Hailsham Parkinsons Society.

"Over the last six years, the James West Community Centre has been on quite a journey," added Mr Harrison. "The centre has played host to sports training sessions and tournaments, wellness workshops, keep fit classes and more - even baby ballet classes!"

"Apart from the centre being closed for much of 2020 and 2021, which was a trying period for us all on with national lockdowns and restrictions in place, the centre has attracted a good membership base and sees a lot of visits a year, although there are openings for other local clubs and groups to benefit from using the facility."

"Since opening, this purpose-built centre has already begun to play a key role in enabling Hailsham to fulfil its potential as a vibrant and inclusive town and we hope it continues to be a popular community hub, offering a range of activities for local residents."

Sherridan Harper, halls booking officer at the Town Council commented: "The James West Community Centre has made such a difference in terms of enabling different groups and organisations to work seamlessly in partnership with the community in Hailsham. The aim of the facility is to bring everyone together in one convenient place for local people, along with decent meeting spaces for local groups."

"I'm delighted that the centre has had a good first six years with the different groups and services working together to provide a high-quality facility for local people and has become such a positive asset to the town."

Hailsham Town Council recently made the decision to increase hire fees by £1 per hour for use of the centre, effective from 1 April 2024. This is the first price increase for six years with the last review having taken place in 2018 and it is hoped that that hirers will understand that, with the increased costs to run the facility, the Town Council has been left with no option but to review its hall hire prices for users.

All current regular users have been informed of the amount of their hourly increase, however, anyone who hasn't received any notification should contact the Town Council Offices for an update. All bookings taking place from 1st April 2024 which were already confirmed prior to the notice of the hire fee increase (by the signing of a booking form), will have to pay the new charges together with any regular bookings which have already been paid for in advance.

For further information or to make a booking, contact Hailsham Town Council on 01323 841702 or by email.