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South Downs Leisure begins major £2 million Worthing Leisure Centre redevelopment
08 Jul 2026
South Downs Leisure (SDL) has officially begun a major £2 million redevelopment of Worthing Leisure Centre, with the first phase of works now underway at the popular multi-purpose facility.
The investment programme will deliver a significantly expanded and modernised gym, upgraded reception area, additional studio provision, and a new active play space, helping futureproof the centre for the long term while enhancing health, fitness and wellbeing opportunities for the local community.
Designed and delivered in phases to allow the site to remain operational throughout the extensive redevelopment project, the first stage focuses on transforming the existing gym space into a larger, state-of-the-art fitness & wellbeing environment. A temporary gym has now opened within the centre’s Range area to ensure customers can continue accessing gym facilities during construction.
The redeveloped gym will feature a completely refreshed look and feel, a Wellbeing area with Cryo & Hydro massage beds and infrared sauna, expanded strength and functional training provision, and a substantial increase in equipment.
The new layout has also been designed with accessibility in mind, creating a spacious, step-free environment intended to be welcoming and practical for all users. Strength training facilities will see one of the largest improvements, with a significantly enhanced free weights and strength training offer alongside new additions.
Later phases of the project will include refurbishment of the reception area, followed by redevelopment of the current weights room and projectile range into two new fitness studios and a new active play offer aimed at families and younger visitors.
Throughout the works, customers are being kept updated via email communications, signage, the South Downs Leisure app, and social media channels. Temporary access routes and facility changes are currently in place within the centre while construction progresses.
Commenting on the redevelopment, Duncan Anderson, Chief Executive Officer at South Downs Leisure, said: “This £2 million investment represents a major step forward for Worthing Leisure Centre and demonstrates our long-term commitment to providing high-quality health, fitness and wellbeing facilities for the local community. The redevelopment will transform key areas of the centre, creating a larger, more modern fitness and wellbeing environment, improved studio and active play provision, and a more accessible overall customer experience. While there will inevitably be some short-term disruption while works take place, we’re committed to keeping the centre operational wherever possible and supporting customers throughout the process. We’re incredibly excited about what this project will deliver and look forward to sharing further progress updates as the redevelopment continues.”
Worthing Leisure Centre is one of South Downs Leisure’s flagship facilities, offering a wide range of fitness, swimming, racket sports, health and wellbeing activities, athletics facilities, and family activities. The site includes a gym, fitness studios, athletics track, 3G football facilities, squash courts, health suite, soft play provision, café, and multi-purpose activity spaces.
Current anticipated timings for the redevelopment programme are:
• Stage 1 gym redevelopment: May to August 2026
• Reception redevelopment: August / September to October 2026
• New gym and reception reopening: October 2026
• Final phases, including studios and active play: Autumn 2026
• Full redevelopment completion anticipated: November 2026
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