Find out more about the regeneration of King Alfred Leisure Centre

Following the first look at proposals for a new sports and leisure facility to replace the ageing King Alfred Leisure Centre, we’re inviting residents to see more and have their say.

The new facility will transform the current seafront site into a modern, accessible and sustainable leisure destination for all.

Last month, Willmott Dixon was announced as the preferred contractor, and the council’s Cabinet agreed the design team could move forward with putting together a planning application for the project.

As part of the work to shape the final designs that are submitted, the team wants to hear what residents think of the proposals and what facilities are important to the local community.

Next week we’ll be launching a consultation that will run throughout the rest of October where people can share their views.

For anyone who wants to know more, the project team will be hosting a series of drop-in events at the King Alfred next week to answer any questions you might have about the project.

Some of the professional team will be available to talk to in the King Alfred Leisure Centre Ballroom on:

• Thursday 9 October (3pm to 8pm)
  • Friday 10 October (1pm to 7pm)
  • Saturday 11 October (8.30am to 12.30pm)

After that, and until the end of October, more information about the project and an opportunity to view the proposals will be on display in the foyer at the King Alfred Leisure Centre.

Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet member for Sports and Recreation, said: “We’ve already seen a fantastic response to the first look proposals and it’s clear that residents care very much about the King Alfred.

“This is an exciting project for the whole city, and we need to make sure it includes the facilities that residents really want and need.

“Please do come and talk to the team if you want to know more and do share your thoughts and ideas for the new leisure centre in our survey next week.”

Richard Poulter, Willmott Dixon Managing Director Construction South Region said: “Our passion lies in delivering brilliant buildings, transforming lives, strengthening communities, and enhancing the environments within which we work.

“Key to us being able to deliver on this passion is our ability to listen and understand more about the communities we are working in, and for, to truly understand how the building we are delivering will serve the community long into the future.

“We are thrilled to be joining the wider King Alfred Leisure Centre team at the consultation exhibition to talk about the project, but also to meet some of the community who will use the leisure centre in the future.

“We encourage everyone to come along, share their views, and help shape this important community facility.”

Look out for the survey next week on the council’s Your Voice engagement platform and updates on social media.