The saga surrounding King Alfred, the well-loved but tired and outdated leisure centre on Hove’s seafront, has rumbled on for years. With its crumbling foundations, weakening concrete structures, asbestos-ridden walls, failing heating, and fragile roof, if it were a horse, you would be tempted to send it to the glue factory. And that is the decision the council has come to.
Public Opinion: A Clear Preference for the Seafront Location
There was a temptation to look elsewhere; however, following a public consultation earlier in the year, the public overwhelmingly supported retaining a leisure facility on the seafront. Seventy per cent of respondents backed the seafront site. Alongside this, 664 people signed a petition demanding the King Alfred remain on Kingsway.
Financial Commitment: The £47.4 Million Investment
The City Council Cabinet is now being asked to approve an indicative budget for the project of up to £47.4 million. No small sum, considering previous failed attempts to refurbish and redevelop the site.
Project Timeline: From Approval to Opening
It is expected that councillors will back the proposals, with work on site anticipated to begin in early 2026 and an optimistic target to open the new King Alfred in spring 2028.
Will it sink or swim?
The Labour administration clearly hopes to succeed where past administrations of all political colours have failed. As with any major development in the region, the Silverstone Communications team will be watching the developments at King Alfred closely.
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