Preparation work begins for new King Alfred leisure centre

Work is getting under way to prepare the King Alfred site for the proposed development of a new leisure centre. Hedges on the lawns opposite the current complex are being removed this week as part of early site preparations. The work is being carried out ahead of the bird nesting season to prevent disturbance to […]

Work is getting under way to prepare the King Alfred site for the proposed development of a new leisure centre.

Hedges on the lawns opposite the current complex are being removed this week as part of early site preparations. The work is being carried out ahead of the bird nesting season to prevent disturbance to sparrows and other species that use the existing vegetation for breeding.

If planning permission is granted, the new leisure centre will be built on the area currently occupied by the car park and the green roof above the disused bowling alley. As part of the wider scheme, planting will be introduced to offset the loss of vegetation, including habitats currently provided by the green roof and areas to the north of the car park.

Replacement landscaping will include new nesting features and wildlife-friendly elements such as sand bathing areas. The planting strategy has been developed to suit the exposed coastal environment, with a mix of grasses, shrubs, hedgerows and wildflowers selected in consultation with landscape specialists, ecologists and parks officers. The aim is to ensure the scheme delivers measurable biodiversity improvements over the long term.

To maintain parking capacity during construction, the council intends to submit a planning application at the end of the month for a temporary car park on the neighbouring lawn. This area is currently being used as a compound for ongoing coastal defence works on the beach. Vegetation clearance and soft landscaping taking place at this stage fall under permitted development and do not require formal planning consent.

The main planning application for the new leisure centre is expected to be submitted at the end of February. Once validated, residents will be able to review the final designs and submit comments as part of the public consultation process.

Prior approval has already been secured to demolish the former bowling alley, representing the first formal planning consent linked to the project. Demolition is expected to begin in the spring, preparing the site for construction later in the year.

Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet member for Sports, Recreation and Libraries, said the project is gathering pace and that early works are necessary to meet environmental responsibilities while keeping the development timetable on track. He added that final design refinements are being completed following feedback from residents and will be included in the forthcoming planning submission.

The preparatory works mark a significant step forward in delivering a modern leisure facility for the city, alongside environmental mitigation and long-term biodiversity enhancements as part of the overall scheme.