Company chosen to design King Alfred Leisure Centre replacement

Brighton and Hove City Council has appointed Alliance Leisure to take lead of a new sports and leisure facility in Hove.

In July, Brighton and Hove City Council’s cabinet decided it will rebuild the leisure centre on its current site in Hove rather than in Benfield Valley.

The company is one of the UK’s leading leisure development specialists.

It has worked in partnership with many local authorities, leisure operators and trusts to design and develop sustainable sport and leisure facilities across the country.  

Alliance Leisure will be working alongside GT3 Architects, which has worked with the council to develop the Sports Facilities Investment Plan 2021-31, Engenuiti, Van Zyl and De Villiers and Hardon Consulting.

King Alfred Leisure Centre  (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus) Tom Fairey, Alliance Leisure development director, said: “Alliance Leisure is delighted to partner with the council to progress this significant project for the regeneration of the King Alfred Leisure Centre, procured through the UK Leisure Framework.

“Alliance Leisure brings extensive experience, along with our specialist partners, and we look forward to working collaboratively with the council to shape a new, sustainable and inclusive leisure centre that meets the needs of the Brighton & Hove community, providing long-lasting improvements in physical and mental health and wellbeing.”

Over the course of the next few months designs will be developed and reviewed at a council cabinet meeting this summer.

The council have stated that the designs must meet ‘modern sports and energy standards’ and be ‘value for money’.

The designs will also be shared with residents prior to the submission of the full planning application.

The council expect a planning application to be submitted by the end of the year, and work to be begin by early 2026.  

Councillor Alan Robins Councillor Alan Robins, cabinet member for sports and recreation, said: “This is a really exciting step to move forward long-overdue plans for a new leisure centre.

“I’m really pleased to have Alliance Leisure on the project. I’ve seen what they’ve delivered elsewhere – and they understand the challenges that are unique to the sector better than anyone.

“It’s crucial we come up with the best possible solution, which offers value for money and provides residents with a modern, energy-efficient sports centre that makes the most of the seafront location.

“I’m confident that, with the team’s experience, we can deliver a facility the city can be proud of.

“The 80-year-old King Alfred Leisure Centre is beyond the end of its life and challenging to operate, but it remains one of the most well-used facilities in the city. We’ll continue to do what we can to keep it open for as long as feasible, while we progress our exciting new plans.

“The council and Freedom Leisure are committed to investing in the existing King Alfred Leisure Centre and making improvements where needed, to ensure residents continue to have access to a safe and accessible sports centre that meets the current needs of local residents.”