Chichester District Council has announced a major £8 million investment in its three leisure centres as part of a new 15-year leisure contract due to begin on 1 May 2026. The decision was approved at a special Cabinet meeting on 20 January and has now been confirmed following the standard call-in period.
Following a competitive procurement process, the contract has been awarded to More Leisure Community Trust, which will operate and manage the leisure centres in Chichester, Southbourne and Midhurst. The council says the process focused on securing a provider capable of delivering high-quality services, modernising facilities, improving energy efficiency and expanding opportunities that support health and wellbeing across the district.
As part of the agreement, More Leisure has committed to investing the full £8 million across all three sites. At Westgate Leisure Centre in Chichester, the plans include a major reconfiguration to create new specialist studios for spin, mind and body classes, toning and reformer Pilates. The gym will be upgraded with state-of-the-art equipment, including an E-GYM Smart Strength circuit, alongside refurbished changing areas, a refreshed health suite with an infra-red sauna, and proposed padel courts, subject to planning approval.
Families will also see significant improvements, including a new interactive water play area with sensory features, enhanced teaching pool facilities, and a redesigned café space incorporating soft play, a sensory room and a toddler play village.
Grange Community and Leisure Centre in Midhurst will benefit from a new mezzanine gym with E-GYM technology, additional studios for Pilates and wellbeing classes, and a small outdoor children’s play area. At Bourne Leisure Centre in Southbourne, investment will focus on new gym and spin equipment and fully refurbished changing rooms.
A new outreach initiative, Wellness on Wheels, will complement the existing Active Communities Programme, taking activities into targeted areas to help reduce health inequalities. The project also includes £1.27 million of energy-saving upgrades, expected to cut carbon emissions by around 25 per cent, along with new EV charging points and improved cycling facilities. Staff and memberships will transfer to the new operator under existing arrangements.
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