Mid Sussex MP visits site of new community building in Ansty

The existing building in Deaks Lane is being replaced with a new hall, sports pavilion and social club on the neighbouring recreation ground.

Mrs Davies was joined by councillors and members of the community at the site on August 21.

She said: “I joined cllr Pete Bradbury, cllr Robert Sailsbury and more councillors from Ansty Parish Council and an array of the fantastic members of the community from Ansty Parish Council to members of Ansty Cricket Club to many of those involved in the village hall facilities to see the multi-use building coming together.

“The teamwork by all the building users has been exemplary working to get key grants and funding from Sport England, the ECB and use expertise from MSDC and WSCC to help this building become a reality.

“They have also had grants from MSDC from Section 106 money – new home building.

“I know how similar projects and teams of local people such as the Haywards Heath Rugby Club are showing such huge commitment to get grants and support to boost their facilities and support grass roots sport.

“I will do all I can to support these projects. It’s one thing I am truly passionate about access to sport and exercise for all.”

Planning permission to demolish the current dilapidated hall and build the Ansty Village Centre was approved last year.

The council’s cabinet agreed a new 150-year lease for the new building and car park.

The total cost of the project is more than £1,400,000 and community groups have worked together alongside local councils to raise money for the project.

The Ansty Village Centre Trust was also awarded a £100,000 grant from the district council in November last year.

Liz Bennet, parish clerk for Ansty and Staplefield Parish Council said: “This new community building is going to make such a huge difference to our village and will provide some wonderful facilities, not just for Ansty residents but for people in surrounding areas as well.

“When the Ansty Cross pub closed a few years ago it left a large social hole in the village but this new community building gives us the opportunity to create a new social hub that will put the heart back into Ansty.

“The Ansty Village Centre Trust is leading the project but it has been a real collaborative effort between many local groups.

“Ansty and Staplefield Parish Council, Mid Sussex District Council, Ansty Cricket Club, Ansty Sports and Social Club, the Ansty Village Hall Trust and local businesses have all played a huge part in helping to fund this new community building.

“It has been wonderful to see the whole community working together to make this dream into a reality.”

Peter Stuart, Mid Sussex District Council head of corporate resources, added: “Sports and social facilities like this new village centre are such an important part of the local community and I look forward to seeing the finished building when it opens.”
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