Final plans revealed for new King Alfred Leisure Centre on Brighton seafront

Final proposals for a new sports and leisure complex to replace the ageing King Alfred Leisure Centre have been unveiled, setting out a £65 million vision for a modern facility on Brighton and Hove’s seafront. The plans outline a fully developed scheme shaped by community feedback and detailed technical work. The project aims to create […]

Final proposals for a new sports and leisure complex to replace the ageing King Alfred Leisure Centre have been unveiled, setting out a £65 million vision for a modern facility on Brighton and Hove’s seafront.

The plans outline a fully developed scheme shaped by community feedback and detailed technical work. The project aims to create a modern, accessible and sustainable destination for sport, leisure and wellbeing activities while making the most of the building’s prominent coastal location.

Designs show a new leisure centre offering sea views from several areas including the swimming pools, gym and café. The development would also include new landscaping intended to improve how the site connects with the surrounding seafront and neighbourhood.

Among the key features proposed are a significantly larger fitness suite, a leisure water area and a dedicated family entertainment zone. The facility would also include improved accessibility throughout the building as well as an underground car park.

Residents, businesses and community groups are now being encouraged to review the plans and submit comments as part of the formal planning consultation. The application and supporting documents are available through the council’s planning register and will remain open for feedback for at least four weeks.

Councillor Alan Robins, cabinet member for sports, recreation and libraries, said the final designs reflect feedback gathered during earlier consultation and represent a deliverable scheme for the seafront location.

He said the project team is now fully established and the proposals provide a clear path to delivering a new leisure centre while keeping the current King Alfred facility open until the replacement is completed.

Robins added that the centre has played an important role in the city for many years and encouraged residents with an interest in the project to take part in the planning consultation.

Preparatory work has already begun on site ahead of any planning decision. This includes planting and landscaping designed to replace ecological features that will be lost during construction, allowing new planting to become established in advance.

However, vegetation removal has been temporarily paused after ecology specialists discovered sparrows nesting earlier than expected, likely due to warmer weather. As sparrows are a protected species, work will not continue until the birds have fledged to ensure they are not disturbed.

The council said this preliminary work falls under permitted development and does not require planning permission.

Once the consultation period ends, the planning application will be considered by the council’s planning committee. If approval is granted, construction is expected to begin later this year with the new leisure centre scheduled to open in 2028.

The existing King Alfred Leisure Centre will remain open for as long as possible while the project progresses.

The £65 million scheme will be funded through a combination of government grants, council borrowing and the sale of part of the site for residential development. The council expects the completed centre to generate income that will help offset operating costs and support its long-term viability.

The development is being delivered by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, working alongside Willmott Dixon, GT3 Architects and a team of specialist consultants and engineers.