Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Brighton & Hove City Council as the preferred contractor for the £65 million transformation of the King Alfred Leisure Centre.

The landmark seafront project will replace the city's ageing leisure centre with a modern, accessible and sustainable facility designed to set new standards for coastal leisure provision. Plans include pools, a gym and café offering sea views, as well as improved landscaping that connects with a revitalised public realm.

Work is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with the new centre expected to open in spring 2028. The current King Alfred Leisure Centre will remain open for as long as feasible during construction.

The redeveloped complex will feature a larger fitness suite, a leisure water area with a family entertainment zone, and full accessibility throughout. Sustainability will be embedded in the design, with innovative technologies aimed at delivering environmental resilience and reducing carbon impact.

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Richard Poulter, Managing Director in the South at 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. Drawing on our extensive experience of delivering over 160 leisure facilities nationwide - including 108 swimming pools - 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 our expert partners, we're committed to delivering not just a building, but a community hub that will serve residents and visitors for generations to come."

The project will be delivered through a collaborative partnership, with Willmott Dixon working alongside Brighton & Hove City Council’s main delivery partner Alliance Leisure. The scheme is being procured through the UK Leisure Framework, with the design team including GT3 Architects, DHA Planning Group, Engenuity Ltd, VZDV Consulting Engineers and Hadron Consulting as project manager.