WSN-2026-003 · ADUR

Southwick FC / Old Barn Way Community Sports Hub

This investigation follows the money, procurement, governance and community-benefit commitments surrounding the proposed community sports hub at Old Barn Way.

STATUS: AWAITING RESPONSE
CASE STATUSAWAITING RESPONSE
OPENED27 AUG 2026
WATCH AREAADUR
EVIDENCE STAGEREQUEST SENT

CASE FILE

Evidence-led investigation

WHAT WE KNOW

The project has been described as costing roughly £3.8 million, including a £2 million Football Foundation contribution and £500,000 from West Sussex County Council pooled business-rates funding.

WHAT WE ARE ASKING

How did the budget develop? Who selected contractors and operators? What are the long-term operating commitments? What safeguards ensure the promised community access and public benefit are delivered?

INFORMATION REQUEST

An information request was sent on 27 August 2026. WATCH is awaiting records before reaching findings on procurement, delivery or final cost.

EDITORIAL POSITION

Public funding for community sport can produce substantial benefits. The investigation is about whether the documented process, expenditure and eventual delivery match the commitments made.

EVIDENCE STANDARD
WATCH distinguishes established facts from allegations, questions and inference. Where information is outstanding, this page says so. Findings will be updated when documentary evidence or a substantive response changes the position.

CASE TIMELINE

Updated as evidence arrives

OPEN CASE — Investigation registered and evidence gathering under way.

REQUEST / REVIEW — Relevant public records, information requests and responses are logged as received.

FINDINGS — No final finding will be presented until the available evidence supports it.

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