A MASSIVE new £65 million waterfront leisure centre in one of the UK’s most popular resorts has been unveiled.
The new seafront park will include a large fitness suite, a leisure water area, a cafe and a family entertainment zone.
The new waterfront park will be built on the site of the King Alfred Leisure Centre in Hove
There will also be improved accessibility throughout the centre in Hove.
Swimmers using the new state-of-the-art pool will also have spectacular views across the Channel.
It will replace the King Alfred Leisure Centre, which opened in 1939 and was immediately used by the Royal Navy as a training facility, HMS Lizard, until after the Second World War.
Residents in Brighton and Hove have made repeated calls to the council to replace the fading King Alfred centre.
Ambitious plans
In a statement on its website, Brighton and Hove City Council (BHCC) outlined what it called its “ambitious plans”.
It said: “The proposed facility will transform the current seafront site into a modern, accessible and sustainable leisure destination for all, with spaces for sports, leisure and social and wellbeing activities.”
The council added: “Following extensive community engagement and design development, the proposals reflect the needs and aspirations of our residents.”
Willmott Dixon has been appointed as the preferred contractor, and will work the professional design team the council appointed at the start of the year.
The King Alfred underwent renovation in 2012 after plans to demolish it collapsed
Richard Poulter, managing director for Construction South Willmott Dixon, said: “We are excited to be appointed as the preferred contractor for this transformational project.
“Having recently delivered the successful transformation of Brighton Metropolitan College, we understand the importance of creating facilities that truly serve this vibrant coastal community.
“The new King Alfred Leisure Centre presents an exciting opportunity to create a world-class facility that maximises its unique seafront location through innovative design and sustainable construction practices.”
He added that Willmott Dixon would draw on its “extensive experience of delivering over 160 leisure facilities nationwide – including 108 swimming pools”.
He added: “We bring proven expertise in complex waterfront developments and environmental resilience.
“We’re particularly excited to integrate cutting-edge sustainable technologies and accessibility innovations that will set new standards for coastal leisure facilities.
“Working alongside Brighton & Hove City Council and Alliance Leisure, we’re committed to delivering not just a building, but a community hub that will serve residents and visitors for generations to come.”
Alliance Leisure is the main delivery partner for the scheme with GT3 Architects and a range of specialist consultants and engineers also working on the project.
‘Significant project’
Tom Fairey, Alliance Leisure Development director, said: “We are delighted that this hugely significant project has now taken another big step forward with the appointment of Willmott Dixon.
“We are looking forward to continuing at pace through the next stages of pre-construction and to working with our expert partners to deliver this modern and sustainable new centre.”
BHCC said the plans will now be reviewed to determine how much everything will cost and what needs to be done to ensure the project is feasible, affordable, and ready to move ahead smoothly.
The King Alfred Leisure Centre has been central to Hove for more than eight decades
It added: “The council is proposing a capital investment of up to £65 million in the project as part of its ongoing commitment to invest in sports and leisure facilities across the city.
“This will be funded through a mix of government grants, council borrowing, and the sale of part of the site for residential development.
“The new centre is expected to generate significant revenue, helping to offset costs and ensure long-term viability.”
Members of the council’s Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee will discuss the proposals and next steps for the project at a meeting on Monday September 22.
The changing face of leisure centres in Hove
Essential improvements to the King Alfred centre, pictured above, were completed in 2012.
It came after investors pulled out of a redevelopment scheme.
The dilapidated centre was to have been replaced by two towers, designed by architect Frank Gehry.
The scheme, which included a new sports centre, flats, restaurants and cafes, collapsed when investors pulled out in 2008 because of the credit crunch.
Instead, a £1.6m programme of repairs and improvements was carried out by the council on the building in January 2012 with a new £450,000 gym opened at the centre.
There was also a dedicated spinning studio with revamped changing rooms, air conditioning and audio-visual system.
The improvements included complete replacement of changing cubicles and lockers, new toilets, showers and flooring, and improved disabled access.
The gym officially opened on January 24, 2012, followed by a celebration weekend days later.
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