Decision

To authorise Legal Services to issue new leases of six-years for Littlehampton Wave, Arun Leisure Centre, Bersted Community Centre and Windmill Entertainment Centre to Wealden Leisure Ltd trading as Freedom Leisure for the intended use of supporting and continuing the delivery of leisure services in accordance with the existing leisure operating contract.

The initial rent is to be £0 per annum. The lease will be excluded from the security of tenure provisions of SS24 to 28 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. The leases for Bersted Community Centre, The Windmill and Arun Leisure Centre will be made more comprehensive, similar to that of the current lease for The Wave and will include more of the detail outlined in the leisure contract. There will also be slight changes made to the Alterations and Alienation covenants, which will allow the installation of PV panels subject to the Council’s prior approval.

Reasons for the decision

The Leisure contract with Wealden Leisure Ltd, trading as Freedom Leisure commenced on 1st April 2016 for an initial term of 10-years. Leases end 31st March 2026.
During 2020, the contract was extended for one additional year due to Covid Closures until 31st March 2027.
In November 2024, the council’s Housing and Wellbeing committee agreed to a 5-year extension of the contract until 31st March 2032.

Alternative options considered

The leases are required to clarify responsibilities of both parties set out within the leisure contract.