Understand
Campaigners launch legal challenge against plans for new £65m King Alfred leisure centre in Hove
Overview
The King Alfred Community Leisure Hub group has launched a legal challenge against Brighton & Hove City Council regarding plans for a new £65m swimming pool and leisure centre in Hove. Campaigners argue the council failed to assess the existing building's suitability for reuse as required by its own sustainability brief, missing an opportunity for a more ambitious refurbishment.
Key points
- The King Alfred Community Leisure Hub group initiated a legal challenge against Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC).
- Campaigners claim the council failed to assess the existing building's potential for reuse, violating its own 2025 sustainability brief.
- The group argues that refurbishing the current building could allow for a 50-metre pool, diving facilities, and an ice rink.
- BHCC's planning committee previously approved the £65m replacement scheme by eight votes to one in July.
- The proposed development includes a new leisure centre with an eight-lane main pool, sports hall, larger gym, and housing integration policies.
