Location

Ardingly Reservoir is located to the west of the village of Ardingly, set in the High Weald National Landscape. The activity centre is surround by acres of ancient woodland and multiple public footpaths, which bring regular foot traffic to the site.

The affluent commuter town of Haywards Heath lies 4 miles to the south and has a Main Line Station with links to London from 43 minutes.

The are a number of local schools in the area, including Ardingly College public school, many of which use the activity centre for group days out.

Description

Description

Ardingly Activity Centre and the leasehold interest of Ardingly Reservoir offers a rare opportunity to purchase an established leisure enterprise, in an extremely popular West Sussex location. The current leaseholder has developed and run a successful water sports business at the site for 38 years and is now looking to retire.

Ardingly Reservoir has a surface water area extending to about 152.75 acres, and the lease benefits from exclusive rights to all water sports. The activity centre offers a number of activities through courses, clubs and hire including; sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, paddle boarding, rowing, fishing on a day or season ticket and open water swimming via Mid Sussex Triathlon Club. The activity centre has RYA and AALS certification and there is further opportunity to expand this diverse range of training courses.
Included within the lease is a recreational building, located in the southwestern corner of the reservoir, which includes the Black Hut Kiosk that serves drinks and snacks. There is a large adjoining car park which is not included in the lease, but which the activity centre have permission to use, providing ample parking.

Income

Ardingly Activity Centre Ltd is a UK registered Company whose sole asset is the leasehold interest in the exclusive leisure rights on Ardingly Reservoir.

The lease is held between South East Water and Ardingly Activity Centre Ltd, the rent currently payable per annum is £33,000, this is reviewable subject to RPI and turnover every 5 years. The average annual income, from the last 4 years (including Covid years), is circa £115,000 per annum (accounts available on request).

General Remarks

Basis of Disposal
Offers are invited for the leasehold interest in the property, via the transfer of 100% of the shares in Ardingly Activity Centre Ltd (Company number 06000934) with the benefits of continued ownership, or by transfer of the Head-lease subject to the Head Landlords final approval.

Tenure and Possession
Vacant possession will be available upon completion of the sale.   

Local Authorities
Mid Sussex Council: https://www.midsussex.gov.uk/
West Sussex County Council: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/

Business Rates
Total rates due 2024/2025 £10,354.25

VAT
In the event that the sale of the property, or part of it or any right attached to it, becomes chargeable for the purposes of VAT, such tax will be payable by the purchaser in addition to the consideration.

Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment
Fixtures, fittings and equipment associated with the running of the activity centre will be included in the sale price. Clarification on any specific items will be provided by the Head-lease’ agents at the appropriate time.

Easements, Covenants, Rights of Way and Restrictions
Ardingly Activity Centre is offered for sale subject to and with the benefit of all existing wayleaves, easements, quasi-easements, rights of way, covenants and restrictions whether mentioned in these particulars or not.

Statutory Designations
The reservoir lies entirely within the High Weald National Landscape.

Viewings & Health and Safety
Given the potential hazards, viewers should take care and precaution with regard to their personal safety when viewing.

Viewings are by appointment only and accompanied with Savills.

Directions

Postcode
RH17 6SQ

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