Historic England Decision Clears Path for King Alfred Leisure Centre Redevelopment

Brighton & Hove City Council has welcomed a decision by Historic England that clears the way for the redevelopment of the King Alfred Leisure Centre site. The council confirmed it was informed on 20 January that, following an initial assessment, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport had decided the building does not […]

Brighton & Hove City Council has welcomed a decision by Historic England that clears the way for the redevelopment of the King Alfred Leisure Centre site.

The council confirmed it was informed on 20 January that, following an initial assessment, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport had decided the building does not meet the criteria to be added to the List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.

The decision removes a significant uncertainty surrounding the future of the ageing seafront complex and is expected to give fresh momentum to long-standing plans to replace it with a modern leisure facility.

Council officers say the outcome is also relevant to the ongoing public debate over whether the building could be refurbished. Detailed technical assessments have concluded that refurbishment is not viable due to the structure, condition and fragmented layout of the existing facility.

According to the council, even extensive and costly works would fail to deliver a safe, modern, fully accessible and energy-efficient leisure centre capable of meeting long-term community needs.

Redeveloping the King Alfred site would allow the council to deliver a modern and inclusive leisure centre designed around future community requirements. Plans also aim to achieve high environmental and energy-efficiency standards, provide fully accessible facilities for disabled users, families, clubs and community groups, and offer better long-term value for money.

The council has said that refurbishment would require major intrusive works, provide limited long-term benefit and would not address fundamental structural and mechanical issues within the building.

Project leaders have described Historic England’s decision as a key milestone, removing a major obstacle and allowing the redevelopment programme to move forward with greater confidence.

Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet Member for Sports, Recreation and Libraries, acknowledged the affection many residents have for the King Alfred but said the building can no longer meet the city’s needs.

He said the decision provides the clarity needed to focus fully on redeveloping the site for the west of Brighton & Hove, adding that progress has already been made this year with the appointment of Alliance Leisure, the formation of the project team and approval to demolish the existing facility.

The council has said it will continue to update residents, leisure users and local partners as the redevelopment plans progress.