Grange plans for Midhurst set to be unveiled soon

A planning application for the new Grange Leisure Centre at Midhurst is expected to be submitted in the next two months, Midhurst town councillors have been told.

Chichester district councillor for Midhurst Nick Thomas – who is also portfolio holder for culture and sport – told a full meeting of the council on Tuesday he expected the plan to go forward in February or in March, 2011.

“We are really looking at late summer of 2012 for the opening of the new building,” he told councillors.

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He added: “There is now nothing that will detract from the commencement of the project.”

Funding was secure he said and the £500,000 contribution from the Monument Trust set up by the late Simon Sainsbury would ensure more community space was built into the project.

He said it was possible some of the community space could provide facilities for the elderly and vulnerable in the Midhurst and Petworth area.

However, Cllr Thomas emphasised this would depend on staffing being provided by West Sussex County Council.

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“The door is open for more negotiation,” he told the other councillors,

“They know about the additional community space, they have to take the initiative.

“But we are open to discussions because it may help to fill a gap.

“It is up to them.”