Brighton & Hove City Council has unveiled the definitive designs for a new sports and leisure complex to be constructed on the site of the current, ageing King Alfred Leisure Centre.

Shaped by earlier community engagement and further technical work, the proposals set out a complete, deliverable scheme intended to meet local needs while remaining within the project’s scope.

The new centre is planned as a modern, accessible and sustainable destination for sport, leisure, social and wellbeing activities. Making the most of its seafront position, the design features sea views from the pools, gym and café, and landscaping to improve connections with the surrounding area.

Key elements include a much larger fitness suite, a leisure water area, a family entertainment zone, step‑free access throughout and an underground car park.

Residents, businesses and community organisations are invited to review the planning application and submit comments as part of the formal process. All representations made via the planning system will be taken into account before a decision is reached.

Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet member for Sports, Recreation and Libraries, said: "These final designs reflect the feedback we’ve heard from residents and the progress we’ve made in developing a scheme that is deliverable, sustainable and right for this seafront site.

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"With the project team now firmly established and the plans worked through in detail, we have a clear and credible route to delivering a new leisure centre while keeping the existing facility open until the replacement is ready.

"I think this is an exciting development for the city and will bring much needed new facilities for residents.

"The King Alfred has played an important role in the city for many years, and I'd encourage anyone with an interest to comment on the planning application."

Ahead of any planning approval, preparatory works have started, including planting and soft landscaping to replace ecological features that would be lost during construction, timed so new planting can establish successfully. During planned vegetation removal, ecology specialists found sparrows had begun nesting earlier than expected, likely due to warmer weather. As a protected species, shrub removal is now paused until the birds have fledged to avoid disturbance. This preparatory activity is permitted development and does not require planning permission.

Once the consultation closes, the application will go to the council's planning committee. If consent is granted, construction is scheduled to begin later this year, with opening expected in 2028. The existing King Alfred Leisure Centre will remain open for as long as feasible while the project progresses.

The council is committing £65 million in capital investment to the project, underlining ongoing support for sports and leisure facilities across the city. Funding will come from a mix of government grants, council borrowing and the sale of part of the site for residential development. After opening, the centre is projected to generate significant income to help offset costs and support long‑term viability.

The scheme is being delivered by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, working with Willmott Dixon, GT3 Architects and a team of specialist consultants and engineers who have helped shape the final designs.