Willmott Dixon has been appointed as the preferred contractor for a new sports and leisure facility that will replace the King Alfred Leisure Centre in Brighton, UK.
Brighton & Hove City Council has proposed a capital investment of up to £65m ($88.1m) for the new facility, which will be funded through a combination of government grants, council borrowing, and the sale of part of the site for residential development.
Willmott Dixon has collaborated with the council’s main delivery partner, Alliance Leisure, as well as GT3 Architects and a team of specialist consultants and engineers to refine the design proposals.
The Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee of the council will discuss the proposals and the next steps during a meeting on 22 September.
Following this, cabinet members will review the plans at their meeting on 25 September, where they will decide whether to advance the project to the next phase.
If approved, residents can view the designs and provide feedback through exhibitions and an online survey set to launch later in the year.
Subject to further cabinet approval, a planning application is expected to be submitted by the end of the year. Construction is not anticipated to commence before early 2026, with the facility projected to open in early 2028.
Alliance Leisure development director Tom Fairey said: “We are looking forward to continuing at pace through the next stages of preconstruction, and to working with our expert partners to deliver this modern and sustainable new centre, which will meet the needs of the Brighton & Hove community for many years to come.”
The proposed facility aims to transform the current seafront site into a modern leisure destination, featuring spaces for sports, leisure, and social activities.
Key features of the proposal include a larger fitness suite, a leisure water area, a family entertainment zone, and improved accessibility.
The new centre is anticipated to generate significant revenue, contributing to its long-term sustainability, according to the council.
The existing King Alfred Leisure Centre will remain operational for as long as possible during the project’s progression.
Willmott Dixon Construction South managing director Richard Poulter said: “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."
