Coaches at Withdean Sports Complex have raised concerns about parking problems that may arise from plans to build a new swimming pool. Designers have already been selected, and official plans will soon be submitted to the local council.
Parking at the sports complex is currently under pressure, especially during busy hours and large sporting events. The complex includes football pitches, athletics tracks, tennis courts, indoor training facilities, and soon, a new padel court. During the summer, visitor numbers rise because of youth events and league competitions.
The nearby Sportsman pub car park is often full in the evenings. Coaches, athletes, and visitors coming from outside the city may find it very hard to find parking once the new pool opens.
Concerns are growing about how parking will be managed during major events, such as Under-15s Youth Development League matches. These matches bring many participants and spectators, which puts extra pressure on parking spaces. In the past, coaches used to park in areas now occupied by football pitches, which is no longer possible.
The new swimming pool will be designed by ReCreation, a company started by Olympic swimmers Rebecca Adlington, Adrian Turner, and Steve Parry. Once the designs are ready, they will be shared with the Withdean Sports Complex members and the local community. A full planning application will be submitted early this summer. If approved, construction could begin early next year.
The council’s Cabinet member for Sports and Recreation stated that the plans have been welcomed by many residents. The design team has hired transport consultants to study the parking situation and suggest ways to manage demand. The current parking arrangements, which are managed by the sports complex operator, will also be reviewed to make sure they meet users’ needs and reduce impacts on nearby areas.
Withdean Sports Complex is well connected by public transport and offers bike storage, including for the city’s electric bike hire scheme. Residents are encouraged to use public transport, cycle, or walk to the complex when possible. Any new development must consider the effects on local transport infrastructure, and the pool project is no different.
The new swimming pool is part of wider efforts to improve sports facilities in the area. However, parking remains a key challenge to address before the project moves forward. Coaches and the community hope that the planned transport study will find solutions that balance access with managing congestion.
