Company chosen to build leisure centre

Computer generated image of what the new Littlehampton leisure centre might look like

The council awarded the contract to UK construction firm Willmott Dixon, with work on the new £15 million leisure centre set to begin in next year, with a provisional openinig date in early 2018.

The new Littlehampton leisure centre will be located on the site of the current sports dome and overflow car park.

The modern facilities will feature an eight-lane, 25 metre swimming pool, as well as a learner pool, dance and cycling studios. sports hall, gym and a café.

Willmott Dixon has experience with large public sector contracts, and has delivered £100 million of leisure facilities in the past six months.

Councillor Paul Dendle, Arun District Council’s cabinet member for leisure and amenities, said:

“We are delighted to announce Willmott Dixon as the successful company.

“They have a proven track record in delivering similar projects and we are excited about seeing this major project get underway.”

Studies undertaken in 2014 and 2015 by Arun District Council concluded that new leisure facilities were needed and that the best location was the existing Sea Road site in Littlehampton.

The current leisure centre will remain open to the public while the new facilities are being built.

The existing centre will then be demolished once work on the new building is completed.

“We believe that when open, the leisure centre and swimming pool will be an amazing facility that the town can be really proud of and that residents can enjoy for years to come”, Mr Dendle added.

Roger Forsdyke, managing director at Willmott Dixon in the southern home counties, said:

“Littlehampton is a fantastic town and we are looking forward to using our expertise to deliver a flagship leisure centre that becomes a very popular destination for people in the town and beyond.”

Willmott Dixon is currently working in Romford on the town’s centrepiece ice rink and swimming pool complex, set for completion in early 2018.

The company operates across the country and has also built new centres in Tewkesbury, Dartford, Scarborough, St Albans, Oldham, Hebburn and High Wycombe.