Progress is being made on the development of a new, top-of-the-line leisure centre in the city’s western region, which is set to replace the old King Alfred centre. Since the fall of 2022, council officials have been actively searching for and evaluating potential sites for this new facility. They have also been in consultation with numerous local residents, current centre users, and members of various sports clubs.

After thoroughly examining over 20 sites, both privately and publicly owned, two locations have emerged as viable options for the new leisure centre. The first is the site of the existing King Alfred Leisure Center, and the second is an area near Sainsbury’s car park, located at the intersection of Old Shoreham Road and the A293.

These sites were selected based on factors like their geographic location, size, accessibility, and their capability to host top-tier amenities.

Each proposed site has the potential to house a modern leisure centre equipped with a 25-meter competition swimming pool, a separate pool for learners and a splash pad, a sports hall, and health and fitness facilities. These would include a gym, a cycling studio, a group exercise area, and a café.

However, due to the distinct differences in the locations and sizes of the sites, unique proposals are being considered for each.

Over the next few weeks, residents from across the city are being invited to complete an online questionnaire and share their views on the site options and proposals.

Council leader Bella Sankey said: “We are delighted that, with support from residents, sports club members, centre users and community groups, we can now share our final site options for a new leisure centre in the west of the city.

“The next steps are really important ones. We want as many people as possible to engage with this process and to give their views, thoughts, and reflections on the proposed sites so that we can take this into account when making the final decision on the location of our new leisure centre.

“This is an exciting new chapter for the city and we are all looking forward to seeing the new leisure centre come to fruition.”