The final plans for a new sports and leisure facility to be built on the site of the existing and ageing King Alfred Leisure Centre have been revealed.
Shaped by feedback from earlier community engagement and further technical work, the proposals bring together a complete and deliverable scheme designed to meet the needs of residents and fit within the scope of the project.
The new facility would provide a modern, accessible and sustainable leisure destination, with spaces for sports, leisure, and social and wellbeing activities. Designed to make the most of its seafront location, the building would offer sea views from the pools, gym and café, alongside landscaping to better connect the site with the surrounding area.
The plans include a significantly larger fitness suite, a leisure water area, a family entertainment zone, improved accessibility throughout, and an underground car park.
Residents, businesses and community groups are encouraged to view the planning application and share their comments as part of the formal planning process. All feedback submitted through the planning system will be considered before any decision is made.
Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet member for Sports, Recreation and Libraries, said: “These final designs reflect the feedback we’ve heard from residents and the progress we’ve made in developing a scheme that is deliverable, sustainable and right for this seafront site.
“With the project team now firmly established and the plans worked through in detail, we have a clear and credible route to delivering a new leisure centre while keeping the existing facility open until the replacement is ready.”
“I think this is an exciting development for the city and will bring much needed new facilities for residents.
“The King Alfred has played an important role in the city for many years, and I’d encourage anyone with an interest to comment on the planning application.”
Tom Fairey, Development Director – Alliance Leisure, said: “We are delighted that this hugely significant project has now taken another large step towards being delivered for Brighton & Hove.
“We are looking forward to continuing at pace through the final stage of pre-construction, and working with our expert partners to deliver this exciting new centre that meets the needs of the community for many years to come.”
The planning application and supporting documents can be viewed online through the council’s planning register. Comments must be submitted directly through the planning application to be considered as part of the process. It will be live for a minimum of 4 weeks.
Ahead of planning approval, preparatory work has been taking place to support the development. This includes planting and soft landscaping to replace ecological features that will be lost during construction, timed to ensure new planting can be established successfully.
During planned vegetation removal, ecology specialists identified that sparrows had begun nesting on site earlier than expected, likely due to warmer weather. As they are a protected species, shrub removal will now be paused until the birds have fledged to ensure they are not disturbed.
This preparatory work falls under permitted development and does not require planning permission.
Once the planning consultation period closes the application will be discussed by the council’s planning committee.
If approved, work will start on site later this year and the facility is expected to open in 2028.
While the project progresses the existing King Alfred Leisure Centre will be kept open for as long as feasible.
The project represents a £65 million capital investment by the council, reflecting its ongoing commitment to invest in sports and leisure facilities across the city.
Funding will come from a combination of government grants, council borrowing and the sale of part of the site for residential development. Once open, the new centre is expected to generate significant income, helping to offset costs and support its long‑term viability.
The scheme is being delivered by Alliance Leisure, appointed through the UK Leisure Framework, working with Willmott Dixon, GT3 Architects and a team of specialist consultants and engineers who have helped shape the final designs.
For more information visit: king-alfred-leisure-development.co.uk
Ahead of the development of a new leisure centre on the King Alfred site planting and vegetation removal is starting to take place.
We've received confirmation from Historic England that the existing King Alfred Leisure Centre will not be added to the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.
There's high public interest as plans progress on the new leisure centre, and while feedback is shaping proposals there’s also misinformation being shared.