Fresh details have surfaced about a planned leisure complex that promises to provide better facilities for families and children.
Brighton and Hove City Council has published specifications for the suggested King Alfred Recreation Center on the seafront, describing it as a long-overdue improvement on the ageing existing site.
The development is being marketed as an active, modern and inviting centre for sport, leisure and wellbeing on the waterfront, designed to cater for residents of every age bracket.
Councillor Alan Robins, holding the portfolio for Sport, Recreation and Libraries, explained that the refurbished King Alfred would create a fantastic setting for families, kids, teenagers and citizens of all ages from across the whole city to enjoy.
The new development would provide a better experience for people residing in the city.
There would be increased space for sport and activities, more options available and a more pleasant experience for all.
Many people have already shared their views, and residents are encouraged to look at the plans and provide comments on the planning application should they want their opinions to be considered.
The planning submission can be examined and commented upon by the public until April 17.
Brighton and Hove City Council is promoting the scheme as representing significant progress for children, teenagers, families and residents of all ages.
Most areas within the proposed complex will be larger than the existing site to maximise the use of space.
The plans include a gym area with 140 to 150 pieces of equipment—compared with roughly 30 at present—a main pool with eight lanes (increased from six) and a 17-metre teaching pool fitted with a movable floor.
Additional components will encompass a spin cycling room, two group fitness studios and a sports hall with six courts suitable for multiple uses.
A flexible community area, a larger café overlooking the sea and a dedicated leisure water zone have also been included in the design.
Considerable attention has been paid to meeting the needs of families and young children.
The leisure water area is expected to feature interactive play equipment, a slide or small enclosed slide and water fountains aimed at younger users.
The movable floor in the teaching pool will allow for various activities, including shallow water sessions for babies and toddlers.
The operator will also have the opportunity to use inflatable structures in the larger main pool, creating another fun and enjoyable setting for young children.
The council has worked alongside disabled residents, families and sports groups, including Possability People, the Sussex Sight Loss Council and the Dolphins Disabled Swimming Club.
This feedback has shaped aspects of the design such as walkways, signage, access points and room layouts.
The design features a Changing Places facility in a central location, clear wayfinding signs, blue badge parking close to the lift shaft and level access to both pools.
Pool Pods will allow independent, dignified access into the water.
Significant public involvement has already taken place in shaping the proposals.
In early 2024, 17,000 local households received information about the consultation. More than 3,600 people filled in the online questionnaire, alongside drop-in sessions, exhibitions and workshops held throughout the city.
Last year’s consultation on the design plans attracted over 600 online responses.
Face-to-face engagement events involved children’s swimming clubs, disability organisations and other community groups.
Older children will benefit from a six-court sports hall, appropriate for roller sports, indoor inflatable attractions, parties and activities such as five-a-side football, three-on-three basketball and volleyball.
For younger visitors, an interactive soft play zone for children aged four and above across several levels is being developed in collaboration with some of the country’s leading soft play experts.
The new pools will feature a contemporary advanced heating and filtration system.
This allows the pools to operate separately, providing warmer water for young children and cooler temperatures for other swimmers.
Should contamination affect the leisure or teaching pool, the main pool will be able to remain open—an improvement on the current setup where a single issue leads to all pools being closed.