King Alfred regeneration project

We expect to submit a planning application in early 2026. The feedback from this consultation will help the design team finalise the proposals before that happens.

After the application is submitted, there will be a formal consultation period where people can give further comments on the plans.

If needed, the council’s Cabinet will meet to review the report and decide what to do next.

Summary of key findings

The survey results indicate a positive reception to the proposals, with residents showing a particular enthusiasm for the improved facilities and the modernisation of the site.

The key headline messages from the survey are:

• Positive Overall Approval: The proposals received an overall approval rating of 3.6 out of 5 across key questions (where 3.0 is neutral and anything above indicates a net positive result).
• Strong Support for Interior Proposals: Impressions of the interior design were particularly strong, with residents responding well to the layout, light, and accessibility of the proposed spaces receiving an 80% neutral or positive rating.
• Design Sentiment: A clear majority of respondents rated the exterior design as ‘neutral to very good’, attaining a 62% positive rating with many appreciating the modern aesthetic.
• High Intent to Use: There is significant anticipation for the new facilities, particularly the fitness spaces, pools, and family play zones, suggesting the new centre will be well-utilised. This is represented in the responses with over 91% expressing interest in the fitness options presented in the survey, 93% interest in the pool variations and 92% in the family and play zones.
• Free-text responses: These signal excitement about the delivery of the project. Where constructive feedback was offered, it largely focused on ensuring the building's character aligns with Brighton & Hove’s identity and ensuring practical amenities such as parking are sufficient. However, some responses were received that expressed disappointment. These included 37 comments that called specifically for a 50m competition pool, or at least a deeper 25m pool suitable for water polo or diving, and 58 comments which referenced insufficient poolside space or spectator seating for galas and suggested the current scheme could not accommodate county or regional events.

Overview of the Survey & Key themes identified

Question Responses

The quantitative data shows a community that is largely supportive of the direction of travel for the new facility.

• Exterior Design: When asked for their first impression of the proposed exterior, approximately 79% of respondents rated the designs between 3 (Neutral) and 5 (Very good). Most respondents view the modern approach as an improvement on the existing site.
• Interior Environment: The interior designs performed strongly, with over 83% of respondents rating the environment as neutral to very good. High approval ratings were noted for the creation of a welcoming and accessible environment.
• Spirit of the City: Responses regarding how well the proposals capture the 'spirit of Brighton & Hove' leaned towards the positive-neutral side of the scale, with 69% of respondents rating this element as neutral or better.
• Facility Usage: Intent to use the facilities is high. The pool and water play areas, as well as the fitness suites, received strong validation, with 90% of responses confirming interest in the options detailed in the survey, confirming that the mix of facilities proposed aligns well with resident demand.

Themes from Open Text Responses

Analysis of the 422 free-text comments and 95 comment cards reveals several recurring themes. The sentiment in these comments generally mirrors the structured data, offering insight into specific community priorities. Within the responses, there was a strong sentiment for four key themes which included improved reception area and staff room and staff facilities along with an expression of interest for a sauna and steam room.

Theme 1: Modernisation and Improvement

A significant number of respondents expressed relief and excitement that the project is moving forward. Comments frequently described the proposals as "fresh", "modern", and a "vast improvement" on the current leisure centre. Residents appreciated the use of light and the inclusion of glazing to maximise views, and some comments called for murals, greenery, and sustainable materials to make the building feel vibrant and unique.

Theme 2: Architectural Character and Materials

While the modern aesthetic was praised by many, a key theme in the feedback was a desire for the building to reflect the unique "curves" and Art Deco heritage often associated with Brighton’s seafront architecture. Some respondents suggested softening the linear elements of the design to better blend with the coastal landscape. There was a small number of comments received; 13 describing it as ‘bland’, 7 describing it as ‘boxy’, 5 calling it ‘generic’ and 10 stating that it is lacking Brighton’s character.

Theme 3: Facilities and Inclusivity

There was strong support for the inclusion of family-oriented areas, such as soft play and splash pads. Comments highlighted the importance of accessibility for all ages and abilities. Requests for specific sports facilities (such as squash courts or climbing walls) were also noted. In terms of wellness, there were 25 requests for a sauna and 19 requests for a steam room, with an urge to consider how these elements might lead to stronger local health & wellbeing, as well increased membership take up.

Concerns were raised regarding the residential development plans with 40 comments highlighting concerns around selling any of the land for housing or overshadowing the leisure centre with high-rise flats. Many feel the plans are misleading as they do not show the development plans for the second half of the site.

Theme 4: Practical Considerations

Respondents frequently mentioned practical elements of the user experience. This included the importance of sufficient parking, the management of wind around the building (given the seafront location), and ensuring the changing facilities are robust and private. Around 15 respondents expressed worries about rising membership costs and made requests for affordable pricing, concessions for older residents, and inclusive membership models.