New North Bersted centre's start is two years away

Developer Berkeley Homes will build the faciliity for residents of the site six development of more than 700 homes of which it is the major house builder.

News of the centre’s approaching start was given by Bersted Parish Council chairman Brian Knight at its monthly meeting on Tuesday.

He said: “It is estimated work on the community building will start in 2013 but it does depend on the amount of houses which are being built.”

Berkeley has agreed the hall, which will be sited among the new housing, will meet the parish council’s hopes.

The company made the pledge when it requested extra homes on top of the 650 originally agreed for site six.

The result will see a centre bigger than the existing Jubilee Community Centre off Chalcraft Land and boasting a main hall for some 200 people and a fixed stage with full disabled access.

It will also have a bar and five meeting rooms to enable different groups to meet at the same time.

Changing rooms built to Sussex FA standards will serve the three adjoining football pitches.

These will be only changing rooms of their type in the area. The hall will be run by trustees from residents, users and parish councillors.