Fort Road Recreation Ground toilets open as transformation nears completion

The improvements have breathed new life into the community space for residents, sports clubs, families and visitors alike.

Councillor Wendy Maples, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Wellbeing, said: "I'm delighted to see these newly modernised public toilets open and available for everyone to use. Good-quality public facilities like this make a real difference to people's experience of community spaces, particularly for families with young children, older residents and visitors. These are modern, welcoming facilities that complement the wider investment taking place across the recreation ground and help make the park more accessible and enjoyable for all."

Funded by Lewes District Council and the UK Government, the extensive makeover is nearing completion, with many of the new and upgraded facilities already being enjoyed. Alongside the reopening of the toilets, the main Shakespeare Hall is open and once again home to the children's nursery.

Significant improvements have also been completed at the Cricket Pavilion, which has undergone a full external re-cladding. Thanks to a dedicated funding pot established for the project, the internal fit-out is now underway and is being managed directly by Newhaven Cricket Club. The pavilion improvements sit alongside a newly installed artificial cricket wicket that players are already benefitting from.

Work continues on additional amenities that will further enhance the park including a new outdoor gym and children's play area which are due to open later this year.

The recreation ground has also seen new landscaping designed to support wildlife with bird boxes and bat boxes installed. A community garden is being established and further planting will take place this autumn.

Visitors can also make use of a new community noticeboard, which will provide information about local events as well as updates on plans for a new café and community space.

Councillor Maples added: "The major refurbishment of Fort Road Recreation Ground is creating a park that truly reflects what local people want from this community space. From improved sports facilities and better amenities to facilities for families and enhanced wildlife habitats, this investment is helping to secure a brighter future for the recreation ground and forms another key part of the ongoing regeneration of Newhaven."

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