Withdean Sports Complex

Reviews

1. Grace ★☆☆☆☆

   I am writing to formally complain about the completely unacceptable experience I had at Withdean Sports Complex this evening. Yesterday, I specifically phoned ahead to check whether the track would be open and available for use this evening. I explained clearly that I intended to come down to train, and I was explicitly assured that the track had no events on and therefore would be open and that I would be able to use it without issue. Based on that assurance, I attended this evening, paid to use the track and began my warm-up. During that warm-up, I was interrupted on three separate occasions and repeatedly told to leave the track. The reason given was not that the track was booked or in use for an event, but simply that there was no event on that evening and therefore your team did not want to turn the floodlights on. This is despite the fact that the floodlights had been turned on just five minutes earlier and were then switched back off again. I find this completely unreasonable. I paid £6.15 at the front desk on arrival to use the track. At no point was I informed - either during my phone call yesterday or at the point of payment - that track use was conditional on there being an event, or that lighting would be withheld at management’s discretion. To make matters worse, the manager’s solution was to suggest I use the gym instead - I did not come here to use the gym when I could have used a gym for free at home. I paid specifically for track access, which I was denied after being assured it would be available. I was also repeatedly told that it was a “health and safety hazard” for me to run in the dark. Yet, despite this supposed concern, once I made it very clear to your team member that I would not be leaving (given I'd paid to use the track and already been assured that it was open for use), I was allowed to continue running in the dark for over an hour. This contradiction seriously undermines the health and safety argument that was being used to justify removing me from the track in the first place. In summary: I was assured in advance that the track would be available; I paid to use the track; I was repeatedly interrupted and told to leave purely because your team did not want to switch the floodlights on, citing "health and safety" concerns; The decision to leave the floodlights off presumably to save costs, despite my continued use of the track, demonstrates a blatant disregard for health and safety and exposes a troubling inconsistency in how risk is assessed and managed on site; I was offered a gym as a substitute for a service I did not pay for; and Health and safety was cited inconsistently and unconvincingly (if your team were so concerned about health and safety, they surely should have just kept the lights on) This experience was frustrating, disruptive, and entirely avoidable. I expect a clear explanation of why paying customers are permitted to use the track only at your discretion, why staff are providing misleading information, and what steps will be taken to ensure this does not happen again.

   almost 5 months ago
2. Claudia Pritchard ★★★☆☆

   Great complex with excellent facilities but the receptionist was unnecessarily rude and obnoxious. Maybe she was having a bad day but when I pointed out that the parking machine possibly wasn’t working and taking a long time to load, I got a snappy “well, are you here for more than three hours?” and “It’s fine, you were being impatient”. I was treated as an irritation and the response was totally unprofessional.

   almost 9 months ago
3. Joanne ★☆☆☆☆

   As someone who visits Brighton several times a year, I usually choose this gym because of its convenient location. In the past, my experiences have generally been positive. Unfortunately, my most recent visit was very disappointing. A front-of-house staff member wrongly accused me of not paying—an issue I quickly resolved by showing proof on my bank app. However, what was most upsetting was the rude, dismissive, and unprofessional manner in which I was spoken to. I would strongly urge management to provide proper customer service training so staff can handle interactions with members in a more respectful and professional way.

   almost 9 months ago

1. Giulia Paps ★★★☆☆

   Went to the Level Up soft play but I wasn't really impressed. The main soft play is on a few levels opposite a small area with 4-5 tables, but once the kids go in you can't really see them. The ball pit is made of giant transparent soft balls but better suited to the older kids as little ones get stuck between the balls (so may get a bit scared). From the seating area you can see the Toddler area inside, it has a small trampoline but the whole area is quite small so older toddlers tend to get bored quickly (my 3 year old lasted 10 minutes) and want to go in the other section which isn't really suitable for 2-4 year olds. Also the cafe' and snacks bar is OUTSIDE the soft play room (in the main reception) so you can't just get a coffee/snack/water while the kids play. You have to get the kids out of the soft play, walk out of the room to the main reception, get what you need and then go back to the soft play room. It didn't quite work for us.

   1 year ago
2. Lisha Tole ★★★★★

   Great gym, yes reduced sauna times but hasn't affected me. I have a big work van so really handy car park and i come pretty much daily, otherwise i don't think I'd be able to go to a gym at all in Brighton! Me and my partner pay £96 a month unlimited connect so I've got squash whenever i want and i can use the pool at king Alfred's too. Worth it IMHO! Please don't change!

   almost 3 years ago
3. Emma Wicks ★★★★☆

   The gym and facilities are brilliant, I love the new gym equipment, easy access and great opening hours. I am totally astounded however by how rude one particular reception staff member has been on multiple occasions, not just to myself, my husband too and others I’ve observed. Asking for lost property was like I had asked her to help me move house, checking in often is a battle if acknowledged at all and when interaction happens she has the rudest demeanour. It must take so much energy to be so abrupt and unfriendly.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Howard ★★★★☆

   Facilities are pretty good for a local authority run leisure complex. They have invested in Padel tennis which shows progression and a response to the huge demand for this growing sport. Staff are friendly and changing rooms cleaned regularly. I’m not a gym user so can’t comment on the equipment. Indoor and outdoor tennis and a climbing wall. Cafe is fine for what is needed.

   almost 3 years ago
2. Suzanne Bryant ★★★★★

   I love the community feeling here. Unfortunately prices have risen due to the global situation but personally that means I pay more for less as I'm an early bird and have lost use of the sauna and my shower 9s cold before 7 am. Other than that I love it.

   almost 3 years ago
3. I Gokhan ★★★★★

   This is best leisure center for Brighton even without a swimming pool. It has gym, indoor-outdoor tennis courts, modernized gym, football-running field, many squash courts, many special classrooms, sauna, a pub and even climbing wall…. Some more maybe I’m not aware. Big free parking space. Staff very friendly and problem solver. Clean, warm and not annoying busy. Open till 10 pm. What else; go and try for free! They have plenty options for membership. Go for it you’ll not regret it!!!

   almost 3 years ago

1. I IGK (Daydreamer) ★★★★★

   This is best leisure center for Brighton even without a swimming pool. It has gym, indoor-outdoor tennis courts, modernized gym, football-running field, many squash courts, many special classrooms, sauna, a pub and even climbing wall…. Some more maybe I’m not aware. Big free parking space. Staff very friendly and problem solver. Clean, warm and not annoying busy. Open till 10 pm. What else; go and try for free! They have plenty options for membership. Go for it you’ll not regret it!!!

   almost 3 years ago

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