Brighton and Hove City Council has confirmed that a planning application for the King Alfred Leisure Centre, on Kingsway, Hove, is due to be submitted at the end of February.
The £65 million development includes plans for a fitness suite, leisure water area and family entertainment zone. A first look at the plans was revealed in September.
The council 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.
Artists impression of the new King Alfred Leisure Centre in Hove (Image: BHCC)
Once the application is published, residents will be able to view final designs and have a chance to comment on the proposal.
Councillor Alan Robins, cabinet member for sports, recreation and libraries, said: “There’s real momentum to the project now and it’s crucial to get the timing right.
“Over the coming weeks and months, we’ll start to see more activity on site to prepare for the things to come. It is important residents understand what this work involves and why it’s needed.”
The council also confirmed that work to remove hedges on the lawns opposite are to start this week. It said that it is crucial the work is completed prior to nesting period, but assured residents that new nesting provisions, as well as other facilities, will be put in place as part of further planting.
Councillor Robins explained: “Planting is an essential part of our environmental commitment to protect local wildlife and prepare the site in a responsible way. We need to replace vegetation that will be removed later in the project, and it needs to start now so we can safely remove hedgerows ahead of the nesting season.”
The council said the new planting mix has been “carefully designed” considering the challenges of the coastal environment and include a mix of grasses, shrubs, hedgerow and wildflowers.
It also added that the planting, removal of vegetation and soft landscaping work can take place while the application is being finalised as it comes under permitted development and does not require planning permission.
The latest update in the development comes after plans to demolish the sites underground bowling alley were approved earlier this month.
Plans to demolish the site were submitted in December last year and include the removal of asbestos.
Artist’s impressions of what the King Alfred will look like (Image: UGC)
Campaign group Keep and Retrofit the King Alfred Leisure Centre called for the council to stop all works towards the planning application while its bid to have the existing building listed are considered.
However, Historic England confirmed in January that the existing centre will not be added to the list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest, enabling the project to move forward.
“We need to demolish the old bowling alley to make the site safe for future construction. Now we’ve got prior planning approval, this can start in the spring,” Councillor Robins added.
“Final refinements are being made to the designs based on resident feedback and these will be submitted later this month. Then you’ll get to see the exciting plans for the new leisure centre and have a chance to share your views on the final design.”
The council also said that a temporary car park will be available at the site throughout the construction period.
The car park will be located on the adjacent lawn, which is currently being used a site for coastal protection works being undertaken on the beach.
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