Brighton & Hove City Council unveils updated plans for new sports and leisure facility to replace King Alfred Leisure Centre

Brighton & Hove City Council has unveiled updated plans for a new sports and leisure facility to replace King Alfred Leisure Centre, home to LGBTQ+ swimming club Out to Swim Brighton & Hove, with construction firm Willmott Dixon named as the preferred contractor for the project.

The proposed development aims to transform the current seafront site into a "modern, inclusive and environmentally sustainable" destination, offering a range of facilities for sport, leisure, wellbeing and community use. The design incorporates "sea views from key areas including the swimming pools, gym and café, and will be integrated into a revitalised public realm through new landscaping".

Following "a period of community engagement and design refinement", the plans now reflect a "broad mix of amenities", including an expanded fitness suite, a leisure water area, a family entertainment zone, and improved accessibility throughout the building.

Willmott Dixon has been selected to lead the construction. The company has previously worked on projects in the area, including the redevelopment of Brighton Metropolitan College.

Richard Poulter, Managing Director for Construction South at Willmott Dixon, said the firm was “excited” to be involved in the project, describing it as a “world-class facility” that would make the most of its coastal location through “innovative design and sustainable construction practices."

The council is proposing a capital investment of up to £65 million, to be funded through a combination of government grants, council borrowing, and the sale of part of the site for residential development. The new centre is expected to "generate revenue that will help support its long-term financial sustainability".

The proposals will be reviewed by the council’s Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday, 22 September, followed by consideration at the Cabinet meeting on Thursday, 25 September. If approved, the project will move into its next phase, including public exhibitions and an online survey to gather feedback on the facility mix.

A planning application is expected to be submitted by the end of the year. Construction is unlikely to begin before early 2026, with the new centre anticipated to open in spring 2028. The existing King Alfred Leisure Centre will, according to the council, remain operational for as long as feasible during the transition.

Further information and updates are available HERE