The King Alfred holds a special significance in my life. This is where I first learned to swim, where I marked my sixth birthday, and where both my children currently take their swimming lessons. The venue is filled with cherished memories for me: parties with school companions, the roller disco events, swimming throughout my first pregnancy, and the stunning seafront sunsets that greet you when departing on a summer evening.
However, like many local residents, I recognise that the prime years of the existing building have passed. That is why I welcome the fact that the leisure centre is now being transformed for future generations, with the most recent designs released and submitted for planning consent.
Reaching this point has been a lengthy journey, and prior council administrations attempted but never managed to advance this scheme for more than two decades. When Brighton and Hove Labour secured council leadership in May 2023, we were resolute that this time we would succeed, providing a leisure facility that serves the community and inspires civic pride. We have conducted extensive outreach in developing these proposals, holding multiple consultation rounds to understand what was required. Our 2024 consultation demonstrated overwhelming public support for constructing the new leisure centre on the identical location.
Witnessing the positive reception to our designs has been encouraging. Yet, as frequently occurs when significant transformation is suggested, certain individuals prefer maintaining the existing situation. Everyone possesses the right to their perspective. Nevertheless, I have been troubled by some misleading statements comparing what currently exists with what will be offered should the planning application receive approval.
Therefore, it is valuable to outline the numerous ways the new facility will substantially enhance what the King Alfred provides: a considerably expanded fitness suite (gym) featuring 140-150 stations, in contrast to approximately 30 stations at present; an expanded main pool (8 lanes rather than 6); a larger teaching pool; a leisure water area to support children developing water confidence; a comprehensive soft play zone for young children; a dedicated spin cycling studio; two general-purpose studios; a multi-use community space; a 6-court sports hall, exceeding both existing sports halls in size, with a configuration enabling greater flexibility than the current halls; and a substantially larger cafeteria overlooking the sea.
Regarding the scale of the new facility, simply comparing basic outlines of the proposed and existing buildings can create confusion. The present facility predominantly spans a single level. Additionally, because the current building evolved incrementally over many decades, space efficiency is low, with considerable areas devoted to corridors, staircases, and structural voids. The new building, by contrast, spans three levels, with space utilisation optimised to eliminate wasted areas.
Concerning accessibility for disabled users, this has been a fundamental priority shaping the scheme from its inception. Throughout the project’s development, we have worked closely with organisations representing disabled people, including Possability People, The Sussex Sight Loss Council, and the Dolphins Disabled Swimming Club. Specific activities have encompassed: focus groups with representatives from disability organisations, disabled people’s sports clubs, and community groups; on-site meetings with disabled sports clubs to comprehend their requirements; and a simulation walk for design team members, arranged through the Sussex Sight Loss Council, to help the team appreciate the needs of visually impaired individuals. Specific features will include: one Changing Places facility positioned conveniently for potential users of the centre and members of the public who may require such facilities while visiting the area; and both pools will feature gradual walk-in steps and a PoolPod to guarantee that individuals with mobility needs and disabilities can access both pools independently.
Additionally, one point requires clarification. While the designs submitted to the planning department represent the elements necessitating planning permission, they do not present the complete picture. We are, for instance, developing options for children’s play facilities, both wet and dry, which means the aquatic enjoyment I recall (along with the roller discos!) can be experienced once more. So stay tuned.
I would urge residents, businesses, and community organisations to examine the planning application and submit your comments as part of the official planning procedure. All responses received through the planning system will be evaluated prior to any determination being made. When the planning consultation period concludes, the application will be reviewed by the council’s planning committee. If approved, construction will commence later this year, with the facility anticipated to open in 2028. While work progresses, the existing King Alfred Leisure Centre will remain operational for as long as practically possible.
Bella Sankey is the Labour Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council.