Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Brighton & Hove City Council as preferred contractor for the £65 million transformation of the iconic King Alfred Leisure Centre, creating a world-class seafront leisure destination for the vibrant coastal community.

The comprehensive redevelopment will replace the ageing facility with a modern, accessible and sustainable leisure centre that maximises its unique seafront location. The new facility will feature sea views from the pools, gym and café, alongside extensive landscaping connecting to a revitalised public realm.

Work is expected to begin on site in early 2026, with the transformed facility opening in spring 2028. The existing King Alfred Leisure Centre will remain operational throughout the development process for as long as feasible.

The state-of-the-art facility will include a significantly larger fitness suite, leisure water area with family entertainment zone, and enhanced accessibility throughout. The building is designed to set new standards for coastal leisure facilities through innovative design and cutting-edge sustainable technologies.

Richard Poulter, Managing Director in the South at Willmott Dixon:

"We are excited to be appointed as the preferred contractor for this transformational project. Having recently delivered the successful transformation of Brighton Metropolitan College, we understand the importance of creating facilities that truly serve this vibrant coastal community.

"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. Drawing on our extensive experience of delivering over 160 leisure facilities nationwide - including 108 swimming pools - we bring proven expertise in complex waterfront developments and environmental resilience.

"We're particularly excited to integrate cutting-edge sustainable technologies and accessibility innovations that will set new standards for coastal leisure facilities. Working alongside Brighton & Hove City Council and our expert partners, we're committed to delivering not just a building, but a community hub that will serve residents and visitors for generations to come."

Collaborative Partnership Approach

Willmott Dixon will work alongside Brighton & Hove City Council's main delivery partner Alliance Leisure, procured through the UK Leisure Framework, and a specialist design team including GT3 Architects, DHA Planning Group, Engenuity Ltd, VZDV Consulting Engineers, and Hadron Consulting for project management.

Tom Fairey, Alliance Leisure Development Director:

"We are delighted that this hugely significant project has now taken another big step forwards with the appointment of Willmott Dixon. We are looking forward to continuing at pace through the next stages of pre-construction, 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."

Demonstrating Sector Leadership

This latest appointment reinforces Willmott Dixon's position as a leading specialist in leisure facility delivery, with the company having completed more than 160 leisure facilities in the past decade. Recent projects include transformational developments across the education and leisure sectors, demonstrating the company's expertise in creating community-focused facilities that enhance local provision.

The King Alfred project adds to Willmott Dixon's growing portfolio of significant South Coast developments, building on the successful completion of Brighton Metropolitan College's transformation and reinforcing the company's commitment to the region.

Community Investment and Social Value

Creating opportunities for the local community will be at the heart of this project. Willmott Dixon, alongside its supply chain partners, is committed to delivering substantial social value including employment opportunities for local residents, apprenticeship training for young people, and volunteer support for local organisations.

The company will work closely with local suppliers throughout the construction phase, ensuring that investment stays within the local economy, creating jobs and supporting regional businesses.

Sustainable Future

The project aligns with Willmott Dixon's commitment to becoming a net zero carbon company by 2030, with the new facility designed to operate sustainably and support the council's environmental objectives. The development will integrate innovative sustainable technologies and environmental resilience measures appropriate for its coastal location.

Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet Member for Sports, Recreation & Libraries at Brighton & Hove City Council:

"I'm delighted that we're pushing forward with the next stage of this exciting project. Residents were clear that they wanted the King Alfred leisure centre to stay on the seafront, and we're moving forward with that plan at pace. We have some early images of the designs -- and I really believe we can deliver a spectacular new leisure centre that the whole city can be proud of."

The proposals will be considered by Brighton & Hove City Council's Cabinet on 25 September, with a planning application expected to be submitted by the end of the year.