Eastbourne: Sports group secures new site after losing out on another venue

The group is now expected to make use of a building and sports courts on the Archery site

A new headquarters has been secured for a non-profit group after an offer for a seafront site was withdrawn by Eastbourne Borough Council.

Defiant Sport's new site will be at the Archery youth and sports venue off Willoughby Crescent, despite originally planning to operate from Fort Fun.

Council leader Stephen Holt said a 25-year lease was agreed with the group.

The group's managing director Loretta Lock said: "This is a fantastic, ground-breaking move for us."

"It means we can now have a nice and stable future," she added.

The group said it had carried out £75,000 in clearance work at the vacant Fort Fun site before the council offer was retracted.

A 25-year lease was agreed

It had also discussed compensation with the council as Ms Lock said the withdrawal put the group "on the brink of crisis".

The inclusive sports group is now expected to make use of a building and sports courts on the Archery site while also putting in "state-of-the-art facilities".

The council said the Fisherman's Green tennis courts were also expected to be used by the group.

Council officers are helping the group navigate the planning process with a view to create an indoor sports facility.

Mr Holt said the certainty of the site could "allow them to access other funding pots".

He added: "At a time when the council finances are stretched to breaking point by the escalating costs of temporary accommodation, it gives me great pride that we have found a new home for Defiant Sports and provided funding support that will allow them to move forward positively at the Archery."

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