The final plans for a new sports and leisure facility to be built on the site of the existing and ageing King Alfred Leisure Centre have been revealed.
Shaped by feedback from earlier community engagement and further technical work, the proposals bring together a complete and deliverable scheme designed to meet the needs of residents and fit within the scope of the project.
The new facility would provide a modern, accessible and sustainable leisure destination, with spaces for sports, leisure, and social and wellbeing activities. Designed to make the most of its seafront location, the building would offer sea views from the pools, gym and café, alongside landscaping to better connect the site with the surrounding area.
The plans include a significantly larger fitness suite, a leisure water area, a family entertainment zone, improved accessibility throughout, and an underground car park.
Residents, businesses and community groups are encouraged to view the planning application and share their comments as part of the formal planning process. All feedback submitted through the planning system will be considered before any decision is made.
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.
“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.”
View the proposals
The planning application and supporting documents can be viewed online through the council’s planning register. Comments must be submitted directly through the planning application to be considered as part of the process. It will be live for a minimum of 4 weeks.
What’s happening now on site
Ahead of planning approval, preparatory work has been taking place to support the development. This includes planting and soft landscaping to replace ecological features that will be lost during construction, timed to ensure new planting can be established successfully.
During planned vegetation removal, ecology specialists identified that sparrows had begun nesting on site earlier than expected, likely due to warmer weather. As they are a protected species, shrub removal will now be paused until the birds have fledged to ensure they are not disturbed.
This preparatory work falls under permitted development and does not require planning permission.
Next steps to bring the vision to reality
Once the planning consultation period closes the application will be discussed by the council’s planning committee.
If approved, work will start on site later this year and the facility is expected to open in 2028.
While the project progresses the existing King Alfred Leisure Centre will be kept open for as long as feasible.
Artist’s impression of the east elevation of the new leisure centre showing the entrance and outside space.
Artist’s impression of the south elevation of the new leisure centre and the beach.
Artist’s impression of the main swimming pool.
Artist’s impression of the cafe inside the new leisure centre.
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