Theatre’s sails replaced as venue faces winds of change

But fear not, there is nothing sinister behind the disappearance. The sails have been taken down in preparation for a brand-new set to be installed next year.

Arun District Council decided to replace the sails after they began to show the tell-tale signs of age and natural weather damage. This is the first time the set of sails on the Littlehampton cinema and theatre complex have been replaced since the Windmill was built, more that 30 years ago. It remains open while work continues.

The project has been overseen by the council’s surveying and estates team.

A spokeswoman from the council said: “The new sails are made and ready to go up. The contractors are just waiting for the weather to get a bit better and for the winds to drop a bit as they are trickier to put up than they are to take down.”

The future of the Windmill is currently under discussion by Arun councillors following the publication of a draft leisure strategy for Arun district by consultants appointed by the council.

One proposal is for the Windmill site to be sold off and a performing arts venue established elsewhere, possibly at The Littlehampton Academy.